We Teach What We Need To Learn

There's an old saying that we teach what we need to learn. Now, if that were REALLY true I would be teaching math! :-) I'll spare you my math 'tales-of-woe' at least for the time being.

What I'm talking about are the 'lessons behind the lessons'; the life skills that apply to just about everyone regardless of the subject. And the people you think your are trying to teach are really a mirror for yourself.

Lately I've been noticing some of my students struggling with less than winning attitudes. Our conversations usually go something like this:

Me: "Whoa, what exactly are you trying to accomplish here?"

Student: "I'd like to pass this level and do well on my exam."

Me: "Define doing well. What score would you be getting if you did well?"

Student: "I guess anything over 85% would be pretty good."

Me: "How would you feel if you got 85% or better?"

Student: "Wow! I'd be really happy about that!"

Me: "And how are you feeling about your studies right now?"

Student: "Gosh, it's kinda hard and I'm getting really frustrated. Sometimes I don't think I'll ever get this stuff."

Me: "Would you say you're happy right now?"

Student (very sarcastically): "You're joking, aren't you?"

This leads to a discussion of the importance of practicing the FEELINGS of the desired results as much, if not more, than the actual subject itself. I tell my students that if they can imagine themselves being happy with a certain result, then they absolutely MUST study with that happy attitude. In other words, BE HAPPY NOW!

Happiness isn't the result of something. Happiness is a state of being and it's always a matter of choice. Furthermore, what you have and share with others MULTIPLIES in your life.

Day after day, for the past month or so I've been having these chats with my students. Then just the other day I stopped and asked myself, "Do you hear what you are saying? Don't you get it? Practice what you preach!"

You see, I haven't been very happy with the way a few things have been going in my life. Merely thinking of these situations could start my blood boiling. Of course, the more I focused on these things, the faster my life would spiral downward. My misery wasn't just adding up... it was MULTIPLYING!

This isn't something new. I've often caught myself teaching some important priciple that I most needed myself.

Now you may not define your role in life as a 'teacher'. But I'll bet there are situations that continue to come up for you over and over again. Usually, it's something about SOMEONE ELSE that bothers you. You may feel a strong urge to 'help' or 'correct' that person.

Before you do, ask yourself if your 'advice' might best be applied to you! If it is true that we teach what we need to learn, then become your own best student.

Posted by russhamel