by Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF
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In the last 44 years I’ve been exposed to thousands of
people who said they wanted to learn all about farrier science
and craftsmanship. However, my experience tells me that some
people are teachable -- and some are not. What makes the
difference?
To begin with, everyone learns at a different rate because
everyone is different. And some seem more interested or
motivated than others. But why are some truly more
teachable than others?
I have come to believe that the following factors are most
important in distinguishing the thirsty learner from the
complacent crowd. These are the types of students all
dedicated teachers hope are in the front row of their
classroom. Generally, the closer the student sits to the
teacher, the more motivated he or she is.
These most desirable students have:
- A strong desire to know. Such persons have a
curiosity that they cannot ignore. It is insatiable.
They have unanswered questions. They always are seeking to
learn more. Learning is enjoyable and looked forward to by
them.
- An admission of ignorance (lack of knowledge).
Such persons are humble – or “teachable” as some define
it. They recognize (admit) that they do not know the
information, but they desire to learn it. They overcome the
arrogance of ignorance (acting like they know it already
when they really don’t). They make a plan that takes them
from where they are to where they want to be.
- A goal to mark progress. Such persons have a
realistic goal or vision of themselves after they have
learned what is not presently known. They make and follow a
step-by-step plan to get there. These students celebrate
their achievements and then reach for the next level.
- A set time for focused concentration. Such
persons set a scheduled time (usually daily) when they can
ignore distractions and concentrate on the subject and even
“over learn” it – until it becomes part of them.
- An ability to make a sustained effort. Such
persons have a strong work ethic. They will stay at the task
until they achieve the goal they have set. They will study
and exercise both sides of their brain. They will practice
repetitive tasks until they build muscle memory (another
name for developed skill).
- Attention to detail. Such persons will work to
perfect each part of a task and then put the parts together.
They study with a pencil in hand and draw as well as write
the things they want to learn. They ponder (think seriously)
about difficult concepts until they can grasp them and teach
them to others. They are interested in correctness and
sequence.
- Ability to prioritize the use of time. Such
persons recognize that, while they need to maintain balance
in their lives, sometimes an area requires a greater time
commitment to reach a desired goal. They realize that skills
must be acquired. Health must be maintained. Family
relationships must be nurtured.
Are you teachable? If not, what can you do to become so?
Michael E. Gerber in his book The E- Myth says, “People
who succeed in business (and in life) don’t do so because of
what they know, but because of their insatiable need to know
more.”
I encourage you to make the changes necessary in your life
now that will make you a “front row student” of your craft.
To learn how skill, experience and knowledge can provide
the solid foundation you need for a profitable and rewarding
farrier business – at any stage in your career – order
Six-Figure Shoeing today.
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