Many world-class athletes, from all sports, have the ability to get in the right state of mind. They visualize breaking records, crossing the finishing line first, having the gold medal draped around their necks, hearing the roar of the crowd.

Such ability is not limited to sports superstars. In fact, all other great achievers in life, have a crystal-clear vision of the end result of their labors. They make a commitment to get there, they are overwhelmingly positive about their efforts and they know where they are going.

It is only natural to have some doubts, fears, and uncertainties when venturing into unexplored territory, but you can overcome them if you want to.

Sometimes it only takes a small change to make important shifts in attitude. For instance, the word *Impossible* can easily become *I'm possible* with the insertion of one small
apostrophe.

In a similar way, you can choose to change your feelings and attitudes toward learning and acquiring new skills necessary to achieve your goals and dreams.

You can (and should) choose to take control of your learning, to be an active participant in your education rather than as a passive consumer. You need the will as well as the skill to learn. Just be a great student! In this way, your skills are easily transferable to anyone you choose to help.

Before you get started, you need to know what a successful end result is going to mean to you. It's not a selfish question to ask *What's In It for Me?* ... in fact, it is an essential first step. There is very little motivation to tackle anything if you don't perceive a positive reason for doing so. What's in it for you?

1. You'll learn how to learn--a skill that will last for the rest of your lifetime. Remember , *what* you learn can become outdated, *how* you learn lasts forever.

2. When you become a great student, you'll earn better grades or acquire skills that will improve your work performance.

3. Generally speaking, the more you learn the more you earn. The better educated you become, the more likely it is that you will command a higher income. You'll be more flexible, more productive, a greater asset to your current
employer--and should be rewarded accordingly.

4. You'll be able to help your entire family. Knowing how to learn, gaining appreciation that each of us has a different learning style, and understanding that what works for you may not work for your partner or children, will enrich your home life and your most personal relationships.

5. It's the beginning of a whole new life! Learning is an accumulated process. It is the first important foundation stone in building your brain power.

As Charles Handy puts it, in *The Age of Unreason,* "Those who learn best and most, and change most comfortably, are those who:

a. take responsibility for themselves and for their future;
b. have a clear view of what they want that future to be;
c. want to make sure that they get it; and
d. believe that they can."

Almost certainly, you have your own personal reasons for wanting to become a great student. List them now. Many people may feel inclined to skip this exercise and carry on the way things are going. Please don't. That would be a mistake. Thinking about it, and responding to this exercise of listing your reasons to become a great student, will get you started to a whole new life!

Posing questions to yourself, debating information presented to you, asking yourself questions such as "Does this sound right? Does this make sense?" are essential parts of learning because they maintain your attention and focus.
So compile your list ... I want to improve my ability to learn and become a great student because ...

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You have a positive attitude toward learning. You're motivated. You know *why* you want to learn. You have identified the benefits you are going to enjoy when you achieve your goals.

Good job, Keep it up!

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Credits: Ed Hirsch