The Gift of the Learning Process

It can be very frustrating to watch someone who has a special talent or a natural gift. What they do seems to come effortlessly.

You ask, "Why can't it be that way for me?"

You may even look for "cheats" or "shortcuts." You try to find ways to make it happen faster or easier.

Surely, they must have an easy life being  born with such talent. 

Even with short cuts, you will learn, but you will miss the gift that a learning curves provides. 

You lose the gift of time, which enables you to absorb the new learning so that it does not overwhelm. You lose the gift of work, which helps you to appreciate what you have. You lose the gift of experience, a gift which has stories to tell you and important lessons that will serve you in all areas of your life.

Do not lose faith in your abilities if you find that you struggle in the beginning. Do not give up too quickly. 

In the beginning you may struggle to make small gains. With perseverance, these small gains become bigger ones. With these bigger gains under your belt, you will be able to practice your new skill. You will start to feel pleasure and pride at your accomplishment.

Do not give up at this point, for the best is yet to come. Like a master artist, you now can add details to your practice, smoothing out rough edges and polishing your craft until you are performing at an expert level.

In every step of the learning process, there are delights, gifts and surprises that will enrich all parts of your life.

If you want a bouquet, you must till the soil, plant the seeds, water, fertilize, weed, nurture and harvest. Every step is important. To miss any portion of the process will lead to a dead end and destroy any chance of creating the perfect arrangement. 

Those who have savant-like abilities, do not, necessarily, have it easy. They are often misunderstood and must deal with the envy and resentment of others. They don't feel special or unique and don't always understand the "fuss" about what they do naturally. Their "gift" may even seem to be a burden.

To learn, "the hard way" allows you to appreciate the new skill you are trying to acquire.

The longer it takes you to learn, the more experience you will accumulate, and the more comfortable you will be with your new ability. You will have a better understanding of your new skills and be better equipped to teach and help others develop their skills.

Whatever you want to do, enjoy every step of the learning process. Celebrate your gains and aim to improve upon them. 

One day, you will wake up and realize, that you are the skilled one that others look up to with admiration. ~Silas