Fess Up

My fourth grader is learning long division in school.  After a less than acceptable progress report, I spoke with his teacher and found that, though my son had memorized the steps he should take to solve each problem, he was making critical errors and mis-applying concepts.  These errors had directly affected his math grade so I knew he needed some extra assistance.

Since my oldest son enjoys math, I asked him to check little brother's homework tonight.  As I expected, several answers were wrong.  When we pointed out errors and questioned how he might have made mistakes, my younger son acted as if he really knew the answers though clearly, he didn't.

Being the wiser of the two, my older son sat down at the table and told his littler brother "Stop trying to pretend you know.  Once we get past what you don't know, we can get this right."

Today's Inspiration

Admit it when you don't get it; 
We cannot Learn what we think we Know

It can sometimes be hard to admit that we don't understand concepts - that we're having trouble comprehending a lesson.  When we don't understand things though, we tend to make mistakes that can lead to frustration and disappointments.

When we rationalize poor performance with excuses or denial, we subconsciously accept mediocrity and impede our ability to learn and grow.  Some, due to pride, would rather waste time and effort spin their wheels on a problem rather than asking for someone to impart a nugget of wisdom. 

Though it's not always easy, when we lack knowledge, we should raise our hand and seek assistance.  We can be tutored in confidence of course but even if privacy is not an option, we should be humble enough to seek the guidance that can help us improve.  With so much at stake, why wander or wonder when wisdom is just a question away? 

The next time you're scratching your head looking for an answer, submit to your need, acquire necessary knowledge and apply it to the tasks that will lead you to your goal.