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I dusted off my old psychology degree and recalled three important principles I learned in a course called “Psychology of Learning”:

1. Learning new things is hard, but unlearning old things that stand in your way is harder. There’s a good example in running - easy to learn a new cadence, much harder to unlearn your old one.

2. The ability to learn improves with practice. Make a deliberate point of learning something new every day. At the end of the day consciously ask yourself “what did I learn today?” so you can keep on track.

3. Continuous learning reduces the likelihood of mental decay later in life. Exercise the brain even more intensely than you exercise your body.

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Sep 8, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I graduated college with a BS in Actuarial Science, and the one thing I learned beyond all doubt is that I didn't want to be an actuary. So I worked in restaurants until I figured out what to do next. At 28 years old, that hadn't happened yet, so I committed myself to make it happen. Every morning I resolved to do at least one thing toward getting out of food service and into something I would love. Just one thing every single day, no matter how small, like finding a good jobs/career article to add to my reading list, or putting a stamp on an envelope to a graduate program. I did that every day for months and months. Six months later, I was admitted to a Masters program. Six months after that, I had an assistantship to help pay for school. A year later, I was admitted to a doctoral program, and six years after that, I had a PhD and a job as a professor, a dream I had since the 5th grade.

It's like half marathon training: the little bits do add up. You'll have bad days and setbacks, and you might need to find others to help you sometimes, but by being consistent and persistent, you can overcome it all and change your life.

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Sep 8, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I have said this before, I decided at the age of 48.5 or so, that after never running a day in my life, I wanted to run a half marathon before I turned 50! I did it!!!!!!! My half was in late September and my birthday was mid-October. I did it and it was a lot of work (which everyone here will understand) but I showed my family that I could do it and not only did it give me great accomplishment it also showed my sons and husband that even though everyone said I couldn't do it, don't tell me I can't! I proved hard work does help you achieve your dreams. Keep on keepin' on everyone!

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Sep 8, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Wishing you great success in your endeavors. Your courage is both inspirational and infectious !!!!!

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Sep 8, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

It is crazy to me that while you were writing the articles you didn't think you were learning, but then when you step back and look you can see all that you have learned/ accomplished. I wish it was easier to see this perspective when you are going through the challenge. It always energizes me to think about how much I have accomplished and how much I have to be grateful for but I don't think about it enough.

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I love all of this!

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Sep 9, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

It IS hard but so, so worth it. It's like you can feel your brain creaking in resistance when you ask it to switch gears. But that creaking you hear is also the sound of a door opening. May you enjoy this journey, step-by-step, wherever it takes you and however long it takes to get there. I promise there will be days you laugh with the pure joy of discovery.

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Sep 9, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I am excited for you!!! A new vision or deciding the time is right to move forward with something that has been on your heart is always uplifting. New goals are necessary at every age.......we need to continue to grow........I find that my ambitions at 72 are far less than at 52 (maybe more for the Joy it brings rather than accomplishment). May you be Blessed as you begin your journey!!!

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And learn how to speak to my tablet and last year I learned how to read Digital books from Library. I I also learned how to do virtual challenges challenges because of Is racing I was canceled. This is making me a better runner because Make me focus more on technique. Also i It brings me the out and around People. You also go Move out of the house. I also got a In the 2nd job And was it amazing because I had to pass the game Test. I don't even know how to Play G AME. You can do anything you set your mind to

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Sep 9, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Just curious....what kind of fiction are you writing? Conroy seemed to favor southern culture fiction. King often takes mundane situations we take for granted and adds an unthinkable outcome. Do you have something that fires your imagination like that? You don't have to say what specifically it is, just genre would be great to know.

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