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I am continuing to read I Can by Ben Sweetland.   It’s kind of like The Secret but last edited in the 1960’s.   Yeah, so retro, it’s cool.:) Right?   (Crickets chirping.)  Anyway, Sweetland does something interesting.   Because he is exploring how to rewire and work with your subconscious, Sweetland asks you to repeat chapters and not move on until you have completed some mind exercises.

Daruma from a Temple–According to Squidoo “After the introduction of Zen Buddhism in Japan, Daruma became an extremely important symbol and figure for the Japanese. He represents good luck, perserverance and hard work. Images, illustration and figurines of Daruma can be seen throughout Japanese culture and homes.”  Fun and perseverance!

Then in the second part of the book, he asks you to start from the very beginning to make sure that the knowledge becomes an integral part of your “Creative Mind.”   (Right now, I’m reading the part where he says it is very important to visualize exactly what you want to accomplish in your life.  Yeah, I’m being driven around in my pink Cadillac with a plate full of pancakes and bacon as I head to the discotheque to show off my latest disco moves! Um-huh!)

Study what brings you joy.  Bring joy to what you study.

There are two key elements working here.  I’m repeating and I’m having fun.  I’m not sure if this officially a cliche but repetition is the mother of all skill.  Mindful repetition is one of the key things that I have discovered on my road to trying to learn Japanese, and something I’m starting to use in all aspects of my life.

First of all pick the materials and ideas that are fun.  Also, when you are studying when you start feeling resentful, tired, bored etc–stop.   You can either change modalities, materials, or approaches.   I’m talking about studying materials that you have chosen for your self.

I’ve also found that it is possible to change your attitude and re-frame your attitude as you study.  For example, I was reviewing my Samurai Notebook and looking at some of my goal exercises.  I realized that I was doing it listlessly.  I stopped for a second and thought:   “What if I really breathed and imagined all of these goals.”   It made review a whole lot more interesting.

If You Repeat, You Must Delete

I’m dating myself (not that there is anything wrong with that) and refer to the O.J. Simpson trial of the 90’s.  Simpson’s lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, won the acquital for O.J. and his fifteen minutes of fame in part by constantly repeating, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

My mantra is now, “If you repeat, you must delete.”  If something in your notebook or SRS becomes dull or was never interesting to begin with, get rid of it or cross it out in your notebook.  It becomes a drag on your mind and your motivation to keep on studying and learning.

This idea really jelled for me because Khatz at Ajatt.com keeps hammering the message of fun and the importance of deletion.

Study what brings you joy.  Bring joy to what you study.  If you repeat, you must delete.  Repeat. Have fun.  The world smiles when you become you.