Your School of Life

We are by nature observers, and thereby learners.  That is our permanent state.  – Emerson

All across the U.S., it's back to school time.  Fresh pencils, clean paper, new backpacks representing all the possibilities ahead.

Even once we leave our formal education, this season can make some of us nostalgic for school days gone by.  Why?  As humans, we are natural learners.  We value growth and possibility.  And most of us want and do well with some degree of structure, parameters or guidelines. 

I remember an early childhood educator saying that they best way to make an angry child was to give no limits.   I think this is true for adults too: while we long for and want freedom, we all need a sense of structure and parameters in our lives. 

Often once we are outside of academic or other formal societal structures that give us direct feedback about how we are doing, we can falter in finding our own rulebook to guide own actions, provide feedback and give forward momentum.  (My tool, Unfold Your Personal Road Map, is a great way to start defining it for yourself!)

It's still back to school time in Your School of Life, with you as the principal, teacher and student! 

In the comments below, tell me:

1) What's your learning agenda?  What do you want to be learning, now?

2) What structures, rules or guidelines do you need to help you succeed?