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"Learning From the Past "
by Kevin Eikenberry
"The truly educated never stop learning." - bumper sticker in
San Ramon, California
This week I started work on a new project with a client. I spent the last
day and a half, either reading materials previously foreign (or largely
so) to me, and attending meetings. There's a lot to learn, new phrases and
acronyms, names, roles and responsibilities and lots of new knowledge. Several of the meetings also made more clear what I already
knew, that there are high expectations on my ability to deliver great
results. As I reflected on the learning in front of me and
of the expectations for my performance, I began to feel a bit
anxious.
Suddenly it hit me! I've felt this type of anxiousness before, and
strangely at the same time of year. What were those circumstances you ask?
The start of each semester of college. The first day of each class went
much the same. Get the syllabus, learn about the projects, receive an
overview of the course, learn about the schedule and
quizzes and tests, etc!
The anxiousness I felt was related to the same three factors I face today,
lots of learning to do, high expectations being set, and a short frame for
both.
Learning From the Past
This insight has helped me lower my anxiousness and put things into
perspective more quickly than they might have been otherwise. By
reflecting on my experiences at the beginning of semesters (mostly
positive) here's what I am doing in my current situation:
1. Taking a deep breath.
This type of mental pause helps me gain better
perspective. When the anxiousness grows, I stop and take a deep
breath.
2. Thinking of past successes.
Thankfully I have successes both scholastically and in my
career, where I have successfully dealt with lots of new learning.
When I remember those successes, it builds my confidence that I can do it
again.
3. Picking up my pen.
When I start laying out a plan, I begin to feel better.
This plan includes expectations, roles, content to be mastered, timelines,
etc. I use a project approach to this learning challenge.
4. Eating the elephant.
The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The
plan should help me identify specific tasks that need to be done. Once I
have a list of tasks (even if it isn't complete), I can begin to eat
the "elephant" - one bite at a time.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of
getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks
into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." -
Mark Twain
These steps have helped me in the past. I know they can help me again.
Today is proving it already. I know the project will be a success. I know
I have a lot to learn, but that's ok. I wouldn't be happy with my work if
I weren't learning everyday. I encourage you to think about how you
successfully deal with the kind of situation I've described. I encourage
you to think about and apply the steps I've listed above. Add or modify
the list based on your experience and success. Reducing your negative
anxiety level will, in itself, raise your chances for success. Take the
time to think it through. Follow a plan and have fun.
That's my advice to myself over the next few weeks. And
it's my advice to you right now.
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Kevin Eikenberry <mailto:kevin@discian.com> is a speaker, trainer,
author, and President of the Discian Group (http://discian.com
) - a learning consulting company committed to helping organizations,
teams, and Individuals reach their performance goals through
learning.
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