tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post7038510605503625881..comments2023-10-15T10:29:12.991+01:00Comments on Karyn's erratic learning journey: On being an independent thinkerThe upsychohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06345558899662051670noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-69040771457769243362008-11-26T13:25:00.000+00:002008-11-26T13:25:00.000+00:00Karyn,Is it possible that your new friend was usin...Karyn,<BR/>Is it possible that your new friend was using "independent thinker" as a quantitative label, rather than a qualitative one.<BR/>You have red glasses is quantitative, you have 'lovely' red glasses is qualitative.<BR/>You are an independent thinker may just be a qualitative observation from her - whereas 'you are a independent thought leader in learning design' would be more qualitative.<BR/>As an independent thinker from way back - I would encourage you to revel in the label - as you have already demonstrated that you are willing to deal with the consequences that such independent thinking brings - which is the part most people have trouble with.Jason Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14708221556703594729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-54047446729345797602008-11-26T12:59:00.000+00:002008-11-26T12:59:00.000+00:00@Dave I have a friend who says "a rut is just a gr...@Dave I have a friend who says "a rut is just a grave with the ends knocked out". I try to escape the rut by starting every project with a blank slate, rather than a preconceived idea of how it will run.<BR/><BR/>Nevertheless, when people attach labels that I don't feel I deserve, I am torn. If the label is negative, I want to defend myself. If the label is positive, I want to set the person to rights so that they won't impute more wisdom to me than is warranted and base their choices on my (possibly flawed) views. Then again, I tell myself that they are in charge of their own learning journey and need to come to these realisations for themselves. It's a bit of a balancing act, as you say.The upsychohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06345558899662051670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14184878.post-26449986909208055882008-11-26T12:17:00.000+00:002008-11-26T12:17:00.000+00:00Karyn, I think we all balance self-image with what...Karyn, I think we all balance self-image with what we think others see. <BR/><BR/>I saw myself as just trying to figure out computer-based training (back in the early 80s, when mainframes ruled). I pushed myself to share things we'd learned (lots of trial and plenty of error) at a 1983 conference, and was dumbfounded to have more than 70 people arrive... and remain.<BR/><BR/>There's also a difference, I think, between "independent thinker" and "deliberately contrary crank." (Maybe the difference is whether you eventually say "I'm sorry it turned out that way" or "I told you so.")<BR/><BR/>Christine Lavin put it another way:<BR/><BR/><I>There's a mighty fine line<BR/>Between a groove and a rut<BR/>A fine line between 'eccentric'<BR/>And people who are just plain nuts.</I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com