Mastery

I am a big fan of so called "self-help" books and this would fall into that category.  It brought a lot of insight to me.  There were so many great stories told and lessons learned.  I really enjoyed this book, especially because I am always open to learning and growing.  I have to admit, it has become my bedside table book.  I can absolutely relate to this book.  When it comes to developing myself and becoming more positive, I jump at the opportunity.  All the steps sound so familiar to me and just when I thought I was progressing, I hit the "backslide."  But maybe I'm jumping too quickly, or too high that I think I can jump over all the steps in between.  Just like we all have to crawl before we walk, there are steps to take in order to master an art or skill.  Patience, discipline and practice are some elements to success.

My favorite section was Part Two: The Five Master Keys.  For now, I have found 5 things to practice in life.  There are so many quotes/lessons that I will take with me.  Not only do I plan to use them in the classroom but many of them I will use in my own life and personal growth.  For instance, "There is a brand of teacher...who is famous for giving an absolute minimum of praise..."  Believe it or not, I am not used to being praised and therefore, have found it hard to give praise.  I knew this a long time ago, but just realized how important a word of encouragement can mean to someone--how something that doesn't cost anything can mean so much.  I know this will be important in the lives of our young people and I want to practice this more in the classroom (and with others).  With learning, I know repetition and practice is important.  Leonard states, "The essence of boredom is to be found in the obsessive search for novelty.  Satisfaction lies in mindful repetition, the discovery of endless richness in subtle variations on familiar themes."  I used to always say that I get bored easily.  But I think there's something more behind that statement.  I know I need to "stop and smell the roses" because more times than none will I say, "Oh, I didn't notice that the first time."  Maybe there's more to that painting than a big red dot?  In any case, I don't think I will say "I'm bored" as often anymore.  Surrendering hit home for me because I usually like to ask why or try and find logical, rational answers before trying something new, especially if I think I'll look silly doing it.  If a teacher asked me to put my finger on my nose and stand on one foot, I'd probably wonder why first.  I just need to "give it a try" and stop asking why so much because "learning almost any significant skill involves certain indignities."  To accept and be okay with this brings me to the realizations that I may have been able to accomplish much more in my life.