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READING
E
XPERIENCE
12: U
SING
F
AILURE
AS
A
S
TEPPING
S
TONE
TO
S
UCCESS
356
L
EARNING
TO
L
EARN
: B
ECOMING
A
S
ELF
-G
ROWER
Step
Explanation
1 Recognize the need for
change and growth
Current limitations or constraints require some action or decision.
2 Explore contextual issues
Assess the current situation, resources, priorities, and barriers.
3 Prioritize based on values
Decide what is important to you.
4 State clear outcomes
Set goals with outcome criteria.
5 Develop a plan
Create a plan which includes defined activities and time allocation.
6 Perform to the plan as set
Execute the planned steps or actions.
7 Assess performance
Monitor progress towards objectives.
8 Adjust the plan
Assess, during activities, on the basis of criteria, measuring
progress, and making adjustments accordingly.
9 Appreciate gains
Measuring progress, documenting gains/successes, and make
adjustments accordingly.
10 Reward achievement
Motivate yourself for future success.
Discussion of the Personal Development Methodology
Step 1—Recognize the Need for Change and Growth
Becoming a college student is a major change for most people. Becoming a successful learner entails
changes in one’s life vision, priorities, and strategies. Although college is a life-changing process,
some students don’t truly engage in that process. Some are passive, back-seat travelers...remember
Static Steve? Becoming a college student requires a change in priorities, and it usually takes repeated
efforts before the direction of change in personal priorities becomes clear.
College may sometimes be stressful, and this stress often brings up personal issues in students’ lives
that can keep them from being successful learners. Recognizing the need for change and growth, and
following the Personal Development Methodology will help keep you on the right track, and moving
forward.
Sandra is helping to provide child care for her sister and brother-in-law. Her brother-in-law Ty
is working extra shifts since they had the baby, and Sandra’s sister Alicia is working and going
to school. They have helped Sandra out in the past and Sandra loves her niece. Baby-sitting has
kept Sandra from getting her homework done a number of times though. She’s worried that
this will affect her grades in the long run.