Sometimes watching kids gives us a window into helping
adults learn something new.
Have you ever seen a 6-year old try to tie his shoes and
become so frustrated by bunny ears that he tears off the shoes and tosses them
across the room? This is an issue of skill.
At 6, a child probably has the dexterity to tie his shoes.
He just hasn’t had proper coaching or enough practice to master the skill. If
he is shown, in a patient manner, how exactly the process works (over and over).
He will eventually be able to pick up the new skill. Velcro shoes can be banned
from the closet!
That same child may be asked (repeatedly) by his parents to
eat his peas (or corn, or carrots, or broccoli) for dinner, to no avail. Everyone is aware that he knows how to put
food on a fork or spoon and put it in his mouth….what he is lacking is the WILL
to eat vegetables or to try something new.
Much frustration can happen when we confuse issues of SKILL
and WILL. Many people will make up excuses when they don’t have the skill to do
something, or avoid it entirely because they are not confident. Unfortunately,
they may then be treated with discipline, annoyance or intolerance from their coach or instructor.
Taking our cues from how we want to treat kids, we should
treat a lack of skill with positive coaching and encouragement which can lead
to persistent practice (making perfect bunny ears). Finally, the skill will be
mastered, confidence high and momentum will push us forward.
Turns out patience IS a virtue.
