Saturday, February 11, 2006

The Learning Curve



They say when you learn to drive you should go slow into the curve then speed up when you’re full into it. That will take full advantage of centrifugal force and pull you around and push you on. But that’s a curve in a road . . . not a learning curve. A learning curve goes up.

A learning curve is more like having to climb a mountain without the proper training. No centrifugal force will pull you up. It’s more likely that gravity will call you back. But even climbers on the way to the top of Mount Everest stop at predictable points to set up base camps. At camp they refuel. They check their equipment. They prepare for the rest of the climb ahead—the change in altitude, the next set of challenges that lay ahead.

I think I’ll take my cue from the mountain climbers. I’m setting up base camp tonight. I’ll rest my mind in Deek’s beautiful photo. Let my brain refuel.

Tomorrow I’ll start learning again. Tonight there's a really good book with my name on it.
—me strauss Letting me be

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

When you accelerate through a curve, you are giving yourself control. To allow the curve to take you can be dangerous. It's good to take time to prepare for turning corners.

"ME" Liz Strauss said...

Hi Ned!
Happy Saturday. Yeah. I think that control is the key to handling curves. I might just be getting the hang of that. Hopefully.

Anonymous said...

Liz,
The key is hold on tight and don't panic. Curves are just new directions.

"ME" Liz Strauss said...

Thanks Ned,
I'll remember that as best I can.

Liz

Anonymous said...

I never knew that about driving on curves. I think I'm going to fire up the Honda and head for some curves to check it out. I suspect that I'm making the engine take me around those curves, wimp that I am. Hmmm...what would the engine's equivalent be on a learning curve?

"ME" Liz Strauss said...

Hey Whirling Betty,
I see you whirling around the curves already. What fun tha will be feeling the car pull you around. Be careful now.
Liz

Anonymous said...

Excellent entry to remind one not to rush when it comes to learning new things or in trying to conquer an obstical. Thanks always for sharing your insight. :)

Anonymous said...

Must let things sink in.
I take many stops. Usually just because I'm too lazy though.
I think it helps in further learning - absolutely!

"ME" Liz Strauss said...

Hi Melly,
Don't worry too much. I have to learn the same lesson over again, and again, and again, and again.
Liz