So much to learn, so little time. I recently announced that we would be taking to life at sea in the future. Because I am starting from zero, I don’t actually know what I don’t know. While I’m super excited to make the move, I am also feeling slightly overwhelmed. So, I created a formal learning agenda to tease out specific areas of focus.
Starting from Zero
My learning agenda tracks goals and outcomes along with leading indicators and specific activities. Here’s a sneak peek into my learning agenda, and how I track goals through outcomes:
My Learning Agenda
Outcome: If I want to achieve this goal, I must become a competent, well-adjusted sailor.
Leading Indicators: To reach this outcome, I noted a handful of leading indicators. These leading indicators include increase savings; improve boat handling skills; learn about nautical navigation; learn about boat maintenance; define wants and needs; learn about wants and needs; acquire a seaworthy vessel; prepare exit plan; and move onto a boat.
Activities: Let’s take a look at the activities defined for just one leading indicator–improve boat handling skills. To improve boat handling skills, I will work on docking a boat under varied conditions, spinning in tight quarters, tying a variety of knots, engaging emergency protocol and anchoring.
Output: I’ll continue to work on these activities until I can handle a boat with confidence.
So Far, So Good
I’ve been working towards this learning agenda for several months now, and I’ve already made a ton of progress. First and foremost, I’ve been socking away a little extra money each month. In addition, I completed online courses in marine navigation and boater safety. I’ve also been reading up on onboard systems for managing water, power and waste. To help make real world connections, I joined a few cruising communities. Finally, I started following several amazing bloggers who currently travel by sea.
Fortunately for me, the requirements for the Great Loop are pretty well documented. Now, I am balancing those requirements against those needed for off-shore cruising. Of course, reading will only get me so far. With spring finally here, I will be taking advantage of the weather by logging hours at the helm. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on my progress!
Crush Your Own Goals
If you’re spinning your wheels, consider creating your own learning agenda to help you get the job done. It’s time to crush your own goals with focused effort.
For context, here’s how my learning agenda looks in the real world:
To create this agenda, I started by defining my goals and outcomes. Then, I noted all of the changes that I would expect to happen as I reach this goal. Once I noted what changes need to happen, I explored what I could do myself in order to drive those specific changes. I also recorded anything that I may need in order to get started. To wrap up my agenda, I included those changes I can expect after I’ve completed each series of activities.
While this may sound like a lot of effort, it actually took me less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The power of this approach isn’t in the time you spend, but rather in the way you think about your goals. By focusing your efforts on the specific changes you need to make, you’ll engage in activities that make a direct impact on your progress.
To help you get started, here’s basic template. It’s free!
