Understanding the Unknown

What kind of reader are you? Would you be described as a skimmer, or do you delight in reading most, if not all, words on a page? My guess is that if you enjoy reading, you also like the process. Sure, you might skip a small section or two, but generally, a book is a pleasurable experience. Let me ask you this: What method do you use to read a “how-to” manual for a newly purchased item? Are you still a person who reads the document from top to bottom, or have you now turned into a skimmer?

Reading complicated instruction manuals is about as pleasurable as having a strand of hair continually scrape against my eyeball.

 I love it when manufacturers use simple diagrams and illustrations—finally, a more manageable and often faster way to complete a DIY project. Let’s face it; if it takes three pages of densely written text to explain an idea, thought, or technique when a single image or two would suffice, the picture wins first prize. All I want is for the thing to work, which should be a straightforward exercise.

 What happens to us when we lose our ability to understand? One possibility is that when we strain to comprehend something—whether it’s complex text or even a person’s opposing point of view—our brain goes into survival mode and cannot process new concepts.

 Suzie Glassman explains why we might want to embrace our discomfort in learning:

 “Next time you’re struggling, instead of feeling frustrated, be grateful for the experience. Your brain is strengthening the connections that will lead to eventual mastery. Embrace the difficulty.”

 Even when it’s not 100% clear at the time, I know my struggles are a gift. Not only does it mean I likely care about the topic at hand, but it also means I’m learning.

Today’s Hashtag: Persistence