,
In order to be an expert in anything, you must be a student with regards to your subject matter. As children, we are hardly stymied by the status of being of a novice. Of course we don't know! So let's have fun trying! Seems to be the mantra that subconsciously is more likely to be abided by. But when we are trying to
learn something new as an adult, perhaps something other people around us know how to do, or simply the people who are experts know how to do very proficiently, and we as adults do not, it takes more courage to admit, "I am student. Please teach me."
I was reminded of this novice feeling this week when a
part of my podcasting set-up sputtered, screamed static murder and promptly died without telling me exactly which piece of the puzzle was no longer going to play its necessary role. I was flummoxed. I no more knew what had broken then how to spell or speak in the Tagalog language (the language spoken by almost a quarter of the total population of the Philippines).
Truly feeling handicapped and realizing this podcast set up lingo and know-how was something I needed to become better-versed in, I set about to gain more knowledge (and to fix my system as quickly as possible). After more than a few days of troubleshooting, speaking to what felt like every help-desk of each company that made a component of my set-up, I narrowed it down. I found the broken link, and I was able to
rectify it.
Along the way I learned far more about my system than I had known in the past, and perhaps that was the unexpected byproduct of this hiccup. I now know by heart how to set up my system (mixer, 1/4" mono cord, XLR cord, Stereo Out outlets, USB external adapter, etc.) without even
blinking an eye. If ever I have to transport it (podcasting in France? Oui! Oui!), I will not hesitate to unplug and know how to set it back up in a heartbeat.
While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I am now that person who having had all of this headache along the way and unable
to find a video online to walk-me through, wants to make that precise video because I know I cannot be the only podcaster in a similar situation. I want to alleviate the same stress for someone else. But here's the thing, we all have to be a student before we can become the expert, before we can make that video that others trust to learn from. We all have to be okay with saying, "I don't know, but I want to learn." That is what will ensure we can become the expert in whatever new field
or skill we are trying to master.
Today, consider the knowledge you want to acquire, the skill you want to be able to know how to do. Are you taking classes to learn? Are you practicing? Are you trying? If not, why not? So long as you try with an open-mind and a positive attitude (and a
dose of patience), you will surprise yourself with all that you can learn.
If you would have told me three years ago that I would be taping a podcast and interviews with guests from around the world, I would have said - how did I learn to do that? The how is revealed when we begin to try.
So why not give it a shot?
In this week's newsletter, readers flocked to Wednesday's Why Not . . . ? post. The feedback was very positive, and rest-assured, I have taken note that this was a high-interest topic: savvy financial rituals. Books and cookbooks are abundant in this
week's This & That, especially if you are someone looking to find tools to boost your flow and your thought process as well as anyone who loves to bake.
I hope this past week has been abundant with moments that made you smile and a routine that you feel fortune to call your own. Our
lives are truly what we make of them, and you without a doubt have the ability to make it amazing. Thank you for choosing to subscribe to TSLL weekly newsletter, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog!
Shannon
