Thing #1

I consider myself a lifelong learner; I am always challenging myself to pick up new skills or tackle new challenges. However, my approach to lifelong learning differs significantly from the one described in 71/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners. I like habits #2-71/2, but I have never been able to follow Habit #1, which instructs one to "begin with the end in mind" and "develop a plan to achieve your goal." This approach may work for some but I find that when I begin with the end in mind, I become too focused on my goal and miss many valuable learning opportunities along the way. If I were to suggest a useful first habit for lifelong learning, it would be "Habit #1 - Don't Get Comfortable," and it would instruct lifelong learners that complacency is the biggest obstacle to lifelong learning.

Learning to use Web 2.0 Tools, many of which are new to me, fits into my philosophy of lifelong learning perfectly. Setting up this blog is an example of following through with my first habit - I was uncomfortable doing it, as I had never done it before. However, now that I am done, I am beginning to appreciate the possibilities that Web 2.0 has to offer me personally as well as professionally!