I have many personal goals that I want to accomplish in pursuit of this doctorate. Over the next three years I want to develop disciplines in study, exercise and finances. Gardner talks about the difference between studying subjects and learning material and the discipline of learning to observe, develop theories, test out the theories and develop improved theories. As a learner I want to develop a mind for inquiry. As teachers we are generally well intentioned, but we are sometimes stubborn and teach what we think students need to know and we teach "how" we think is best or most comfortable. I want to be a lead learner. I don't want my campus to be slow to respond to best practice and research, but rather eager to be lead learners.
I want to develop the disciplined mind of healthy eating and exercise. Three years ago I developed a brain hemorrhage and had two major brain surgeries. I had to relearn a lot and for a short while thought my career and ability to support my family might be over. After an amazing recovery, I'm driven to take care of my brain. Research has proven that people that exercise and eat healthy maintain greater mental capacity. I don't seem to be very motivated by health risk, but I am motivated by fluid thinking. I think I might even add an accountability piece to this blog of tallying days of exercise.
And finally, I want to develop discipline in finances. I've worked so hard to rear my children and manage our household, I haven't developed great financial discipline for my future. Now that the kids are grown and I just have myself to look after, I want to develop better financial disciplines that include saving, travel and enjoying my grown children and their future families.
Discipline - sets the plan in motion!
I too want to develop that discipline. It's a work in progress. One would think that after the degrees and certificates I've spent time earning, I would have it down. Unfortunately, my discipline of exercise has been sacrificed lately too. I have found that it means giving up some of "passions" (not necessarily necessary ones) would help in the matter. Cohort 4 will be there for each other.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a positive thing to set new goals for ourselves. What a wonderful thing, to model what it truly is to be a lifelong learner. You have overcome great obstacles, Donna, and your resilience is an inspiration to all of us. Your campus is fortunate to have you as the "lead learner."
ReplyDeleteGreat goals, and adhering to them will yield great outcomes. Not only will we cheer you on, but we will join you. (Here I am speaking for the cohort without permission.) O.K., I will cheer you on and join you.
ReplyDeleteI will stand by you and cheer you along roomy!!! I think the tallying part is a great step in the right direction for exercise. I have been slacking and need to get back onto my strict regimen. As for the rest, I think I am an avid life long learner, but could really work on the financial part. I know that I am doing the best that I can, but it could be better. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteI really respect your goals for discipline and eating healthy as I sit at my computer eating my kids' Halloween candy.:) I could also really relate to Gardner's concept of the difference between subject matter and discipline. When I was in college, I was the champion of short term memory and studying for a test. As a result, I made lots of A's but I did not always have a firm grasp of the concept. In my work today and this program, I am trying to learn the discipline and the concept behind what I am learning. Whenever I accomplish that type of learning, I realize the vast difference between memorizing facts that are just as easy to forget and learning a concept that you do not forget because you know it and can apply it in practical situations. Thank you for your post.
I am and learning every day to be more disciplined in so many ares of my life. I posted a blog about change earlier and think how amazing it is that I have been able to change so many things for the better! :) It feels good to set goals and reach them!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that exercise and eating right helped the mind...what another great reason to live a healthy life. I am also right there with you on setting financial goals. I honestly was a lot better with this concept a few years ago. Now...I live a little to vicariously...I guess because I have been faced with the idea that I need to live each day to the fullest because I really do not know what tomorrow brings. I need to have a change of mindset and set some better financial goals. :)
Donna, thank you for opening up and sharing something so personal. It is amazing how those stories bring us closer together. You are a beautiful sister!