I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I haven’t made one in quite some time. I recently asked a friend of mine, whose wisdom I respect, what he does. He told me he doesn’t make resolutions either, but he assigns himself a task. Every year he sets out to learn something new. So rather than resolving to change an existing habit, he’s setting out to create a new experience, ensuring that he’ll experience the excitement that comes with learning and growth. My son, Julian, is taking AP US History this year. I decided to get a copy of the text book for myself and read it along with Julian, to help him study for tests. Well it’s midway through the school year now and I’m way behind him and the curriculum he’s following. I think he’s past the Civil War and into reconstruction and I’m just beginning to approach the Civil War era. But rather than feeling frustration about being behind the curriculum I’m feeling excited and stimulated. I’m soaking in much new information and it’s stimulating lots of thought and discussion.
When we work with corporate groups, associations or students in our musical team building programs, we’re all about learning. One of our goals is to help start a group on a new path, encouraging them to realize they have untapped creative abilities and to help them discover how to harness their creative power to solve problems, celebrate who they are and think about innovation.
I’ve got about a week left to decide what I’m going to learn next year. Have you thought about something you can learn to spark your curiosity and creativity? If you have any ideas, please share them here. Maybe you can help me decide what my learning project will be in 2011.
Billy Kirsch
