| | Life Skills
There are things you're learning now that will apply to every aspect of your life in the future - Noel Nanton explains.
Life can present us with a variety of challenges, such as managing our
coursework or exams. Or possibly some of the personal difficulties we sometimes
have to face.
To be an effective learner, self-management is vital. Let's break down some
of the skills likely to support your learning and some ideas about how to make
effective use of them. They include:
Planning
Organisation
Time Management
Communication
Coping with Stress
Planning
Think of it like an A-Z or Streetfinder through life. A sense of direction for
your intended task really helps. The challenge may also seem less overwhelming
if you commmit the plan to paper. So set some short, mid-term and longer-term
targets. You then remain aware of how much you have achieved and also how much
you have left to do.
Organisation
This is how to prioritise the tasks or challenges you have. This is especially
important when you have deadlines, as they don't only affect you, but others as
well. Try using a 'things to do' list. It helps keep you focused. You also enjoy
a sense of achievement as items are crossed off your list.
Time Management
The bottom line on this one is not necessarily just the singing, dancing and
flashing machinery to remind you of where you should have been and what you
should have done. It really is about making the most effective use of the time
you have available. Firstly, check to see how you utilise your time. Secondly,
check where and when you work at your best and worst. Look at where you have
fixed commitment and also where you enjoy taking your leisure time. Once you
have a clearer picture, set up a weekly timetable, set in the context of your
original plan. Where possible, share tasks or use the expertise of others who
can help. It saves time and develops your teamwork and interpersonal skills at
the same time.
Communication
This could be written or oral. Effective interpersonal skills are probably the
most marketable skill you could have to support your learning. It is not
necearrrily about being the best public speaker in the world or a best-selling
author. In a nutshell, it is about clearly communicating your purpose or intent
to your target audience to achieve an objective.
Coping with Stress
If you get stuck:
Use your cheering squad - that is, your family, friends, relatives, teachers
(yes, teachers!) or any one you feel that you can trust to give you honest and
objective advice. The person might not say what you want to hear, but what you
want and need are two different things. Also, in sharing, you get a context for
your situation. It doesn't mean that the problem is immediately solved, but you
might get an idea about how other people approach difficult situations
themselves. If you're not ready to talk, write it down. You feel much better for
getting it out of your system. Then you can try weighing up the pros and cons of
your approach to resolving the issue.
Finally, remember, everything you do is a learning experience. You haven't
necessarily failed if you don't achieve your anticipated outcome. Work out what
you learned from the situation and try another approach.
Remember, 'persistence overcomes resistance'.
Good luck!
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