Strength: Love of Learning by Irina Pavich

How do I use this strength already?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:53:17 UTC

As an academic advisor, I use this strength to stay informed about opinions on today’s higher education industry, the latest educational trends in undergraduate programs and course offerings, and academic resources. I often seek out additional training or professional development opportunities, which evolve my understanding of academic systems, advising techniques, and student support methods. Outside of my job, love of learning brought me to become a group fitness instructor, leading zumba and barre classes, where I explore expressiveness and strength building through movement.

In what areas of my life do I use this strength?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:53:48 UTC

The love of learning keeps my interest alive at work, and I apply it to all my leisure activities as well. At work, I participate in curriculum development discussions and actively engage in event planning, career counselling, and student advising - each of these aspects involves active learning. As a Zumba instructor, I stay updated on new dance trends, music, and fitness techniques. I enjoy exploring new rhythms and choreography styles, bringing fresh energy and variety to my group classes. I’ve also subscribed to Duolingo to learn Spanish and I find it fascinating to explore a new language.

In what other areas of my life could I use it more?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:54:21 UTC

"Love of learning" is a powerful strength that can be used in any aspect of my life, adding depth and fulfillment wherever it goes. Just as I do with Zumba, I can expand my learning into other wellness areas like mindfulness techniques, learning more about physiology to become a Pilates instructor, or connecting people through exercise. Exploring other fitness styles and holistic wellness practices could contribute to my own health journey and potentially inspire others around me.

What are other ways I could use this strength?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:54:36 UTC

I could use my love of learning to deeply connect with my teenage daughter, and learn how we can talk and listen to each other better and better deal with our feelings.

What is my plan? What exactly would I like to do? How frequently?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:55:05 UTC

I'd like to continue mastering my communication with my daughter by putting new principles into practice - observing changes in our interactions, developing new skills, and unlearning old patterns and habits. My ultimate goal is to find a way to live and feel good about ourselves and help people we love to feel good about themselves. This includes practicing attentive listening, staying curious, and becoming more sensitive to each other's feelings, finding ways to express our irritation or anger without doing damage, to be respectful about our needs. I'd like to create communication patterns that my daughter can use throughout her life - whether with friends, future coworkers, or anyone she interacts with, to stay sincere, free, respectful, and confident. This requires every day practice.

When will this happen?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:55:17 UTC

Over the next few months, I will practice one principle of communication at a time, such as active listening or expressing needs with respect. I will be specific about the goals and outcomes, leaving space for reflection. Over the next year, I will do a check on how these practices are becoming part of our interactions, and help my daughter incorporate them in her life. As a long-term goal, I will continue refining these communication skills over the years so we can internalize these patterns for the future.

What will happen if I achieve my goals?

ipavich — 2024-11-05 15:55:31 UTC

I expect that improved communication will make me more self-aware and more attuned to my own feelings, needs and boundaries. I expect that the ability to express, recognize and manage emotions can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts in my family with no one's feelings hurt. Modelling effective communication for my daughter will encourage a more open, supportive environment at home, where emotions and needs can be shared honestly without fear of judgment.