Now What?
Go and Do it!
Some readers have shared their Deep Dives in response to a recent post about spending a year focused on one topic, skill or interest. I’ve considered music, specifically playing guitar. I would also benefit from diving into classic literature. I’ll never have a Jeopardy level knowledge of it (or anything really), but it would improve my smarts and inform my world view, not to mention fill my brain with examples of well-written passages. There is a reason they are classics, after all. Sure, some are dated and we scoff at the old-fashioned language or cultural ways, but the plot developments, scene descriptions and character reveals have great sticking power.
Laser focus on one topic means casting others to the side. Dabbling is my M.O., but it leaves me feeling less than knowledgeable on anything at all. A Jill of all Trades can’t attend fully to only one interest. I’ll take variety; of learning, of skills, of interests and of ways to fill my free time. I admire those who dedicate their lives to one specific goal, to be sure. I also appreciate those who trend toward doing many things well. It goes back to that wonderful B word – Balance. I’m glad for my varied life of many pursuits. Being a life-long learner is worthy goal, no matter how scattered and diverse the topics or means of education.
So, what to do after learning all you can on a topic? Go and Do, that’s what. If you have ever been challenged to teach a class or lead a seminar, you know that you learned as you studied, but even more so as you stood in front of colleagues and claimed your authority. There were a few decades when I was involved in Toastmasters, an organization I highly recommend as a life-changing tool to improve public speaking and boost confidence. No matter what you do in life, you are probably met with countless opportunities to leave that first impression in social or work situations. Belonging to a local TM club (there is one near you, I bet) can benefit anyone who has to shake hands, introduce themselves, even explain their latest project to their boss on the fly. During my active years in the organization, I trained my weaknesses during weekly meetings, then engaged in industrial strength learning by participating in district and regional competitions. Doing can be scary. Brutal and embarrassing mistakes are made, but the giant leaps gained makes pushing past the fear well worth it.
A few years later, I became a founding member of the Joy of Djembe Drumming Ensemble. We began as a drum circle, meeting monthly to send positive and peaceful vibes into the heavens with our harmonic playing. I’d show up and play along without worrying about honing the skills needed to play slaps and tones with distinction. Then the ensemble was formed with the intent to play around town. That first public appearance taught me more than the year plus of rehearsals. Today the ensemble plays all over the greater Houston area, even has to turn down offers of gigs. It is one of the things I miss about my previous hometown. I give thanks for the gift of belonging and creating music, all because I stepped out to Go and Do.
Time and effort spent on life-long learning multiplies rewards many fold, particularly in writing. I’d been playing around with letters on a page my whole life, but until bravely taking a giant leap all the way to the Kaui Writers Conference I was just doodling. Doing that one thing, scary as it may have been, has led to my current life in which I belong to deep-seated groups of writing friends, encouragers and teachers.
Life-long learning is the cornerstone of a vital life, lest stagnation sets in. Pond scum doesn’t stand a chance in the current of a thriving river roiling with new information and experiences.
Ten thousand hours, anyone? Malcolm Gladwell’s famous estimate (The Outliers) is overwhelming, but we can approach joy while honing a skill we have chosen to pursue. This is a classic example of the journey beginning with a single step. Athletes gain skill in solo practice and team drills. Playing on the court or field is where the pixie dust activates. (If only that were a real thing, I’d be sparkly all over from overapplying enough magic to compete in anything sports related – I didn’t even qualify for my high school drill team which seemed easy enough.)
My heart just wasn’t in it.
Choose where you focus your learning and doing. Know where to apply your time and talents. I knew sports was out of the mix very early on. I’ve recently come to terms with my lack of gardening ability. As much as I love house plants, fresh flowers and vegetables, I’ve finally admitted there is a green gene missing in my DNA. I admire those Earth Mothers and Fathers who easily make things grow and I’m thankful for any bounty they share with me. Shout out to Steve who is preparing a vegetable garden in our new back yard and keeps the green and flowering things alive and trimmed.
Lack of super-natural talent in a field should not impede your quest toward a your-size-fits-you goal. I’m okay with pursuing many interests even knowing I’ll never reach expert or fluent proficiency. My love of music pushes me past struggling to play instruments and practice anyway. Is time for music meant for my ears only a guilty pleasure? No.
Never feel bad about adding music to your space. There is value in creating beauty of any kind, even in a world of one.
Whatever you strive to learn, I hope you push off from the armchair of you cozy learning spot to Go and Do. Your corner of the world will be happier for it and that’s where it all begins.