Where to Begin

In my family, learning has always been highly encouraged. School has always been important, as evidenced by the number of teachers I have been related to. Formal education, however, was not the start. We were encouraged to learn about anything that interested us as children. Adult encouragement involved far more than just answering questions. Early on, we established our own methods for learning about the things that interested us.

As I understand it, successful self-education requires several things.

1.) Goals. Know what you are after, and make sure that it is reasonably attainable.

2.) Learning preferences. What is the best way for you to learn? Do you read well? Do you remember sounds, lectures, or rhythms? Do you remember when you do something, or take notes?

3.) Resources. What people and materials are available to help you in learning your subject or skill? How do they match up with your learning preferences?

4.) Time. How much time are you willing to invest in this endeavour?

5.) Positive attitude. You can do this! If you believe that you can master something, you're probably right. If you believe you can't, you're probably right.

Next, we will begin to explore this process by using an example.