I am learning, again. Learning has always been an excellent way for me to rejuvenate, as I found out recently how challenging I feel to stimulate my brain cells and concentrate so that I can understand every single bit of information that was thrown my way. At times, those weren’t information - at most bite sized data which I need to mince, taste, integrate before I finally digest it into content that makes full sense to me.

Yet, I am still learning, because until I really apply those new knowledge, they will only be additional information stored in my mental library.

Strange as it may sound, but it makes me feel alive. And to once again deal with the host of emotions swinging up and down before, during and after each class is a feeling that seems to put me back in time when I last studied. Man, that was soooo many years back.

The excitement before the class, enthusiastic in the beginning to a bit of uncertainty and self-doubt of my capability to fully comprehend the concepts and put them to good use from the middle till I-don’t-know-when-such-feelings-will-end. On the spot recalling of stuff that I first heard of and learnt in the University is a skill that I had to implement. This is quite good actually, because although it adds stress on me, it makes learning all the more challenging and it certainly keeps me awake, alert and very much on the toes.

Spoon feeding is going to be a passe form of learning in Singapore. And I welcome such a change, and only wished it can happen even sooner and cover a broader zone in the subjects involved. Because only when students are challenged can they really seek the answers themselves. And when they do, they will remember it for the rest of their lives. Best of all, they will truly understand the concept. That’s so important, as I only found out in the last semester of my varsity days, while preparing for the exam of my last paper. Yes, it took me that long to know that so long as I understand a concept, the application is a breeze because it is not about remembering the rules but rather knowing how to analyse which situation is ok to use that law and which is not. It is not by memorising. It is by applying.

Learning took a totally new meaning for me then. I’m glad I discovered it sooner, rather than later.

For the next few days, I’ll be immersed in a completely new culture. Yes, I’m back to the good ole’ coaching days again. The first Patterns of Excellence is happening from tomorrow to this Sunday at Jakarta. I don’t know what to expect from this coaching experience, but I know, I’ll be learning.

And that keeps me alive and spirited.

Will keep you guys posted again. Cheers!