I keep completing things imperfectly. I get them done and then I do it again. Imperfect each time. I’ve noticed that when I keep going something special happens.
Learn As You Go
When I was teaching and I changed assignments to a different grade, it took several years in that new grade before I felt content with my programme. The first year was a learn-as-you-go, get it done and move on kind of year. The second year teaching a grade, was more reflective. It was a time to pitch out the stuff that didn’t work and try to refine the stuff that did. In the third year, I’d hit my groove and was able to have most elements of the programme under control. In teaching, it’s impossible to perfect it the first time out (or ever). You do your best and move on.
Focus On the Process
It turns out that this applies to other areas of life too. When learning to crochet, I made a mess of most of my early projects. I dropped stitches, did the wrong stitches, and didn’t even see my mistakes in the final product because I couldn’t identify the problems yet. I kept going with my imperfect hooking. I gave away my projects as kids’ blankets, items for the dog or washcloths. I didn’t care that they weren’t perfect. I was enjoying the process and the product was just something that happened when I was finished.
Improvement Will Just Happen
for my students during lockdown.
Over time, something special happened. I got better. It was a pleasant surprise when I noticed that I could try projects that used to be beyond my ability. The funny thing is that developing those skills was never my goal. Doing the thing was, and is, more interesting to me than developing mastery. Perhaps if I’d never improved I would’ve given up? I don’t know. But becoming more skilled at crocheting was never in itself, my goal.
Expect To Learn Imperfectly
I’m embarking on a steep learning curve this Fall. I’m returning to school as a student while simultaneously learning how to run my own business. When I learn new skills, I know they will be imperfect. I learn imperfectly. I write imperfectly. I organize imperfectly. But, I’ll finish the tasks and return to do them again, imperfectly. I will enjoy the process and over time, who knows, I might develop some new skills.
What have you enjoyed learning without worrying about doing it perfectly? Comment below
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