Step 9: Be A Good Student
Apr 22, 2020
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Cultivating curiosity allows us to remain in the posture of a learner. To wonder and be curious is a gift that engages us with life and brings a sense of joy and satisfaction.
In order to remain as learners, we need to remember there is a lot we don’t know yet. Humility is important as we remember we haven’t arrived at a destination but are continuing on a journey for as long as we live.
Learn to ask good questions. Asking powerful questions is a discipline that can be learned and will come more naturally with practice. In the book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ Dale Carnegie advises people to “Ask questions the other person will enjoy answering.”
Learn to ask good follow-up questions. A follow-up question shows both that you are engaged in what they are saying and that you are honestly interested in hearing more from them.
A learner needs a teacher. Seek out people you admire who are further along in their journey and learn from them, ask them to mentor you. Maybe even find a collection of people you admire in different facets of their lives. Spend time with these people. Observe their lives. What are their habits? How do they spend their time? What are their mindsets?
“My child, will you treasure my wisdom? Then and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept my advice and hide it within will you succeed. So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment – then pass it on to your sons and daughters.”