I’ve gone back to school to get a degree in philosophy, and I’m shocked at how my brain is playing games with me. I have to constantly have to remind myself that I’m doing this for the knowledge – not the grade.
For some reason, if I focus on getting an A, I approach the material differently than when I focus on learning it well. When I slip into 4.0 mode, I don’t challenge the ideas or put what I learn to use. I turn into a “just-get-me-through-it” learner.
When I do manage to remind myself why I’m here (I want to explore philosophy and become a great writer), my heart rate softens and the knot in my shoulders lets go. When that happens, the class becomes interesting and worth my time.
Let’s stop reading for the grade and start reading for the knowledge. Don’t worry about how the world ranks you. If you’re going to take the time to open up a book, do it for the right reasons.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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