Learning styles – Instructors vs Books

I started decluttering my digital space. For whatever reason, I get the sense that I need to do a lot of serious decluttering, both online and physically. I’m guessing I have a lot to make space for in 2024. Lots to look forward t

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While deleting files, I came across some of my notes from Robin Banks’s “Mind Power” and “Shaping Your Destiny” courses that I took in 2020. I had forgotten how good the material was. I still say my affirmations on my drive to work every day but there is so much more depth to the course material than I remembered. I also sat back and reflected on the person I was then and the person I am today. Both courses have had such a significant impact on me. I have become more confident about my strengths and have worked on my weaknesses. I am so grateful that I was able to take these courses.

One realisation I have since come to about myself is that I am more likely to put knowledge into practice if I take an instructor-led course instead of just reading the book. One of the main reasons is that the person who created the course has also done the thinking on the best method to apply the knowledge. They have done the thinking about when the best time in the day is to develop the required habit, how to do it, how much time to allocate, and, if necessary, where to do it. The instructor can convey the concept far more creatively than a book can. It becomes easier to grasp.

I have often chosen books over courses because they are cheaper and I can read whenever possible. With courses, I have to create the time in my calendar to attend the course. As a result of the investment of my time and money, I am committed to building the skill or competency. With a book, a lot more willpower is required because you need to figure out how to implement the habit, etc. I can overthink things, tie myself into knots, and then give up because it feels like it requires too much effort

I will still rely heavily on books going forward but where I really need to develop new habits and skills, I will seek an instructor-led course to help me.

What is the most effective method of learning for you?

Thanks for stopping by. Be Blessed!

Celebrating 2023: A month or gratitude- Day 21

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Earlier this year, a friend asked me how I always noticed the seemingly little details around me that seemed to pass her by. I was humbled by the question. I didn’t realise I did it, to be honest, and had to think about how I got here as I didn’t always notice them.


If I think back, it probably started when I made the choice to be more grateful for the things I had rather than waste time only desiring the things that I didn’t have. I had made a list of all my achievements, big and small, and all the things I owned that I was really grateful for and why. That exercise blew me away. I was so proud of myself and, at the same time, humbled by all that God had given. I don’t have a whole hoard of stuff, but I have a lot, more than most, which humbles me.


Being a mother to a toddler also made me see the world through a kid’s eyes again. Mother Earth is an absolute marvel through a kid’s eyes. The trick is always keeping that child’s sense of awe and wonder when looking at a sunset, sunrise, centipede, or simple tree. I now sit by a window at work that at least has a view of the greenery outside. I had an ocean view for a while but had to move desks. The best part is that even though I sit at the same desk every time, the view outside is never exactly the same. God blesses me with a new picture every day.


I guess the lesson is that gratitude can bring a sense of awe and wonder into your life and help you appreciate the things you would generally take for granted around you. It will even help look at people differently. You will see the positive in them without even trying.


I love this way of viewing the world and life in general. It has allowed me to finally comprehend that “this too shall pass” when bad times try to overwhelm me and that there is always something good to hold on to, even in the middle of what may feel like a hurricane. Always!


Oh, and today, I am most grateful that the book I ordered arrived a week early! I have been waiting for this book to be published for almost 10 years!!! It’s finally here, and I can’t wait to get started! I loved “I Am Pilgrim”. It was the first book I enjoyed reading when my son got a little older, and I had a little time to read again. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t find a book that I enjoyed as much for a few months after that. The publisher has been pushing the book’s launch out every year since about 2015. I had given up on it, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see it exists! Have you read it yet, or “I Am Pilgrim”? What did you think?

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Well that’s it from me today. Thanks for stopping by. Be blessed.

Quotes to live by: Ryan Holiday

“Once something is done, you can build on it. Once you get started, momentum can grow. When you show up, you can get lucky.”

Ryan Holiday (Discipline is Destiny)
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