Being a Student of Your Own Life

I’ve been feeling a little tired and worn out, as you know, so I’m trying to choose a better attitude. A friend suggested that I approach my toughest challenges as a student.

Go slowly, be curious, and get ready to fail.

Part of me was like — screw that. It sucks to be a beginner. And then part of me was like — students have it so easy. All you have to do is pass the final. Nobody remembers the grade.

So here’s me being a student:

I slowed down on running. I’m trying not to reinjure my pelvis. I’m learning more about my anatomy, which, as I type this, seems weird. I AM 40 YEARS OLD AND LEARNING ABOUT THE ANATOMY OF MY PELVIS. But it’s true. There you go.

I spent the summer talking to HR nerds and reading some books on talent and recruiting. It’s a pretty boring endeavor, but I can’t claim to be an expert if I don’t know stuff. (That would make me like the rest of the HR blogging industry — talking about myself with no endgame.) Thus, HR shit. Look for my stuff in an upcoming webinar called, “HR Trends in 2016: Mama Needs Prime Oceanfront Property.”

Finally, I’m learning how to think before I respond. It’s my worst habit. Causes lots of problems. I’m quick on my feet, quick with a sarcastic quip, and killing my best relationships with a flippant remark. I have to watch my responses, too, because my cynicism is contagious. Just because I hate something doesn’t mean that everybody has to hate it. Hating things is my thing, dammit!

So I’m chilling out, trying to take it slow and watch things unfold before I respond. I give myself a C-, which isn’t quite the honor roll but counts as a passing grade.

I’m an older, non-traditional student. Better late than never.