Friday, September 2, 2011

NOTE TAKING FOR CONTINUAL LEARNERS

We have been talking to our team about the continual learning (process) this week and a big part of that has been educating them on the proper use of our team notebook.  We gave them a passout today of guidelines for an effective way to take, read and utilize notes.  If you'd like a copy of that passout email me at bstarkey@athletics.UCF.edu.

Note taking is so critical for learning and retention.  It is why a love this passage from my favorite Jon Gordon book, "Training Camp" which gives a great example of a continual learner:

The best are always looking for ways to learn, apply, improve, and grow. They are humble and hungry. They are lifelong learners,” Coach continues. “Did you know that when I was speaking in Dallas at a leadership conference, Zig Ziglar was in the front row, taking notes?”

“Who’s Zig Ziglar?” Martin asked.

“Only one of the greatest motivational speakers of all time. He’s 82 years old and he’s taking notes, still trying to improve and grow. To me that’s a lifelong learner. You are either getting better or worse but never staying the same. If you are not getting better, then it means you are getting worse. That’s why the best are always pushing themselves out of their comfort zone as they strive to get better. Those who want to just be average and good are happy to be comfortable. But for the best, comfort is not an option.”