Every other Tuesday evening, my spouse, our trio of children, and I arrive at my grandfather’s house…
Our evenings follow a familiar pattern. The seven (!) cousin kids zoom around on bikes, pausing only to grab watermelon slices. The adults gather near my grandfather’s grill, preparing hamburgers and fries. Eventually, we all head inside to dine together at the table.
A few weeks ago, as I sat at that dinner table, my grandfather made a request.
“Oh, Jannellyyyy,” he hummed. “You know what would make my night? If you played a song for us on the piano.” He gestured towards the upright in the corner.
This idea was captivating in theory. How delightful would it be if, in that instant, I settled on the piano bench and began playing show tunes?
However, despite having piano lessons as a child, it’s been 22 years since I played. Currently, my repertoire includes only “Chopsticks” and the opening to a Little Mermaid melody. “Sorry, Grandpa, but no,” I responded. “Maybe another time!” I then awkwardly shifted the topic, inviting him to share stories about his childhood in Bolivia.
Here’s the thing.
Since that dinner, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about getting my old keyboard down from the attic.
Learning to play songs — like “Linus and Lucy” or Coldplay’s “Fix You” — seems exciting, and practicing the piano could be a refreshing change from my daily routine. I’d love to perform a cheerful tune at our next family gathering, with my grandfather singing along.
Plus, it’s been a long time since I last learned a skill purely for enjoyment. A few more things I want to pick up this fall? Dutch braiding my elder daughter’s hair, and making chocolate mousse. It’ll be delightful to feel like a student again and try something low-pressure that isn’t related to work or parenting.
What about you? Is there something you want to learn? Or are you embarking on learning something new? Please share below.
P.S. Learning to swim at 37, and the toughest tongue twister.
(Photo by Cara Dolan/Stocksy.)
**Identifying Your Learning Goals for the Year**
Crafting learning goals is essential for personal and professional growth. They provide direction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. As the year progresses, defining and refining your learning goals can maximize your time and resources. Here’s a guide to help effectively pinpoint your learning goals for the year.
**1. Reflect on Past Achievements and Challenges**
Start by reviewing the previous year. Consider what you accomplished and the challenges you faced. Reflecting on past experiences can illuminate strengths and areas for improvement. Ask yourself:
– What skills did I gain last year?
– What obstacles did I encounter, and how did I handle them?
– What feedback did I receive from colleagues or mentors?
**2. Align with Long-term Objectives**
Ensure your learning goals align with your long-term aims. Whether you aspire to advance in your career, transition fields, or pursue personal passions, your goals should support these broader ambitions. Consider how each goal contributes to your overall vision.
**3. Identify Specific Skills or Knowledge Areas**
Pinpoint specific skills or knowledge areas you want to develop. This may include technical skills, soft skills, or industry-specific knowledge. Be precise. For example, instead of setting a goal to “improve communication skills,” specify “enhance public speaking abilities.”
**4. Prioritize Your Goals**
With numerous potential areas to explore, prioritization is key. Determine which goals are most urgent or will yield the most significant impact. Consider deadlines, resource availability, and relevance to your current position or future aspirations.
**5. Set SMART Goals**
Implement the SMART criteria to ensure your goals are clear and achievable:
– **Specific**: Clearly articulate what you want to achieve.
– **Measurable**: Establish criteria for tracking progress.
– **Achievable**: Ensure the goal is realistic given your resources.
– **Relevant**: Align with your broader objectives.
– **Time-bound**: Set a deadline for accomplishment.
**6. Develop an Action Plan**
Formulate a detailed action plan outlining steps to achieve each goal. This plan should cover resources, timelines, and milestones. Identify potential hurdles and strategies to overcome them. An action plan transforms abstract goals into concrete tasks.
**7. Seek Resources and Support**
Identify resources that can fuel your learning journey. This may include online courses, workshops, books, or mentors. Leverage professional networks and communities for support and guidance. Engaging with others can offer new perspectives and accountability.
**8. Monitor Progress and Adjust**
Regularly review your progress towards your goals. Allocate time to evaluate what’s effective and what isn’t. Be open to adjusting your goals and strategies as required. Flexibility is crucial, as circumstances and priorities may shift throughout the year.
**9. Celebrate Achievements**
Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of size. Acknowledging progress boosts motivation and reinforces positive behavior. Celebrating milestones also provides a sense of closure and readiness for new challenges.
**Conclusion**
Identifying your learning goals for the year is a dynamic process requiring introspection, planning, and flexibility. By setting clear, actionable goals and continuously monitoring your progress, your learning journey can be both purposeful and rewarding. Embrace the chance to grow and evolve, and let your learning goals steer you toward a successful year.
