Learning Helps Us Grow as People and Professionals

By mivillarreal on May 1st, 2018

By Jamie Huysman
PsyD, LCSW

Learning is a lifelong process; at least it is to me. I can’t imagine living in a static world without being able to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of “life on life’s terms.” To me, the well-known adage, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes,” missed the mark. Change is certain; it is the touchstone of living a full and productive life.

Can you imagine being stuck in one place in time with your understanding set in stone? It is the fear of change that has always caused controversy and discord among the people in this world.

It is also important to discern “order” from “control.” It’s good to have “quality controls,” but when control becomes a power one can wield at will, it can be very destructive to growth.

Albert Einstein said, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

As a medical professional I was taught the value of staying connected with my colleagues to exchange ideas and learn from each other. As a man, I am grateful for the connection I have with friends and family. My life would not be complete without them.

Connection, Curiosity, and Committing to Change

These 3 C’s are vital to maintaining a balance between our being and doing.

1. Don’t be afraid to connect with other caregivers through support groups – online or face-to-face. Connectedness keeps us human.
2. Stay curious. Attend or listen to learning sessions, seminars, podcasts that will help you be a better caregiver. Developing outside interests is a motivator of learning. The point is to learn something new from which you can expand your horizons.
3. Commit to change. Is there something you might do differently to make your caregiving experience for yourself or your loved one better? New insights lead to new thinking that leads to different behavior and results.

I am certain that when we learn to apply self-care protocols using these 3 C’s, we will be actively learning more about ourselves. Self-awareness counters naiveté, which can lead to transformation and, finally, understanding.

“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer,” Einstein said.

I came across a fascinating article titled, “4 Reasons Why We Should Never Stop Learning,” in Inc. Magazine recently. I highly recommend it!

Dr. Jamie is a popular presenter on Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue. He co-authored the acclaimed “Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health & Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss” and was featured in “The 100 Mile Walk: A Father and Son on a Quest to Find the Essence of Leadership, Voices of Caregiving and Voices of Alcoholism.” Dr. Huysman writes for Caregiver SOS, Connections, JoanLunden.com and blogs on PsychologyToday.com.