My previous writings on how to hinder your learning are about practical issues or personal issues. Practical issues like; choosing the wrong learning materials, not having enough time or, not having any opportunities to practice what you have learnt. These issues are clear to see and aren’t excuses but are reasons for hindrances in your learning. These are issues with practical solutions.
Personal issues are more to do with mindset, things like procrastination or saying to yourself, “I can’t…”, or saying “It’s difficult.” instead of “It’s challenging!” These personal issues are much more challenging to overcome, especially if you have been doing these things for years. Occasionally, certain attitudes you think would help actually hinder.
Perfectionism
Perfection was a huge problem for me when I was younger. After having any schoolwork marked, I would look at what I got wrong rather than acknowledge what I got right. Even if I got the highest mark in the class (rarely), and I’d only one or two questions wrong, I would be disappointed. Being so close to 100% but not achieving it would be demotivating no matter what anybody else would say.
It even continued in my adult life, it helped me to do well at work and it got me promoted but it didn’t help my health. With me wanting perfection, I would spend too much time on a task, going over it again or subtly changing things. Many times, it was perfect for everybody else except me. Fortunately, I had some excellent managers that convinced me, sometimes, “That will do.” or, “That’s good enough.” is acceptable.
It does creep into my own studies now. If I get one question wrong on a review test, I will sometimes go back and study the entire chapter rather than that one answer. It slows me down and sometimes sets me back.
Realistic goals
Fortunately, I know I can set my own goals and my standards. Fortunately, perfection isn’t needed. By setting realistic goals I can achieve and build confidence in what I can do. If I do get something wrong, it is a part of the learning process, I can review that one part.
It is possible to overcome this personal obstacle. Just be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Accept failing as a part of learning. Acknowledge your achievements and know that you can achieve more in time.
Perfection mostly isn’t needed! Perfectionism can often lead to wanting to know more which can also hinder you.
Wanting to know everything
Surely, a curious mind is a good thing to learn anything. How Einstein described himself, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”. A great man with many great quotes, who am I to argue?
I think being curious does help. Being too curious can hinder.
Being curious about your chosen subject is motivating and can give you a better or broader understanding. After researching the answer to your curiosity, does it lead to another question? Will your curiosity look for questions that aren’t there or are of little or no benefit?
Knowing everything will make you knowledgeable but is it useful? Interesting, maybe, but actually useful? Do you need to know that the word curious is from Middle English curious [and other forms], from Old French curios, curius (modern French curieux), and so on, and so on…? Probably not!
Control your curiosity
Your curiosity could lead you away from your original question, missing the answer that would have been useful. It’s great that you want to know more but, will it help you achieve your goals? If your goal is to learn for the love of learning and satisfying your curiosity, go for it. Otherwise, once your initial curiosity has been satisfied take some advice given to me. “That will do. That’s good enough.”
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、興味に合った教材や方法での英語レッスンプログラムをオンラインで学べます。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
