7 & 1/2 lifelong learning habits

Exercise 2: Today is the first day of the rest of my life

I thought this online presentation was well done. For one thing, the author(s) paid attention to the needs of all types of users by providing sound as well as a visual transcript of the contents. The navigation tools were easy to understand, and it was a breeze to pause the narrative, move forward, and go backward.

The only technical problem I experienced was in downloading the learning contract. However, a Google search turned up the suggestion to use CTRL, SHIFT, A in IE to access this document. I tried this technique in Firefox, but it didn't work. I then opened IE and met with success. The form itself cannot be manipulated, but that is a minor issue.

The narrator's voice seemed a bit wavery at first, but I grew to like her homey tone by the end of the experience. In fact, I developed a picture of the speaker in my mind's eye as this plain, but pleasant and very comfortable person, someone easy to get to know, someone worthy of my trust.

Of the 7 & 1/2 habits enumerated, the easiest for me are setting up my toolbox and lining up my resources. I have always considered myself to be a pretty quick thinker and a resourceful person, so figuring out a "shopping list" of what I need and another list of who can provide help are easy.

On the other hand, the hardest habits are overcoming obstacles and following through (i.e., the path to the goal and checking in). Just as I would rather clean someone else's house or office, I tend to help others with their information needs before my own. Distractions and interruptions are other obstacles that are difficult for me to deal with.

And I have a lot of zeal at the beginning of a large project, but I find my interest flagging if it drags on too long. Knowing this about myself, I found it useful in the past to include at least one person who enjoys finishing projects whenever called upon to build a project team.