Finally we will come to grips with all the things you should know so that you can make progress. First of all, you should truly know yourself, both your strong and weak sides, and which elements you should improve on so that you can start enjoying the job you do. Being incapable of making any progress creates a feeling of immense dissatisfaction because human nature demands and desires advancement in whichever pursuit it chooses. The feeling of satisfaction that comes with winning all the small battles with ignorance is actually at the same time pushing the boundaries of an individual’s professional being, thereby creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
This is actually the part of you with which you should get acquainted, and constantly develop, in order to make progress. At any single moment, you should be able to utilize all the knowledge you have for your own good. However, you must also remain aware of your own weak points, as these may hold you back. You don’t want to run unthinkingly through a door behind which an unfamiliar and insecure world may be waiting.
The simple philosophy of development of any young artist is to explore, but without any direction an exploration can end up trapped in a repeating and endless circle. Sometimes it happens that even when you are given an answer, you are not able to recognize or understand it. It remains an enigma, and even though you may know the solution, the premises that led to this solution are still a mystery to you.
Understanding the diamond concept of education is very simple and this understanding helped me to pursue my development and control my knowledge, even to assess at a given time that which is ready to be implemented and that which still needs time, as getting to the core meaning may require yet missing details.
Progress can at times be observed as a failure called ignorance. When we are feeling sick, we simply go to the doctor, explain the symptoms according to which, together with the examination, the doctor reaches a diagnosis and prescribes the proper medication. On the contrary, when we are “sick from ignorance” it is very hard to recognize and admit; we may not even know what is actually wrong with us, and thus usually fail to seek any help.
When I was a primary school pupil, my English teacher put me in front of the blackboard and asked me a question. It was not that I hadn’t studied at all, it was rather that my mind had been wandering around while I was studying, and this had influenced my knowledge, leading to a poor result. I have always been sincere and utterly straightforward and it was hard for me even then to pretend I knew the answer, hesitating, but in fact waiting to be saved by the bell. So my answer was short and simple- I don’t know. This answer provoked another question by my teacher. She wanted to know exactly what I didn’t know. My answer was once again spontaneous, innocent and sincere- I don’t know what I don’t know. While everyone in the classroom was laughing at me, it was at this very moment, alone and ashamed, that I built my attitude towards studying. Though the moment was long ago, and though I was only ten years old at the time, I can still vividly remember the entire situation and the complex mixture of feelings that were overwhelming me. These same strong feelings are present even now, at this very moment, motivating me as I am writing this to you. And it is these feelings which made me realize that the only way to truly study and make progress is by researching and finding the answer to this one and singular question: “What is it, actually, that I don’t know?”. This is the way to “immortal science” of any kind, so why should it not be true for grooming as well?
So, my point in writing this is to dare you to do this little test; for all of you who have the courage to spend 10 minutes and show yourself how much you know or don’t know. Either outcome is okay as long as you know what your next step will be when you get the test results. Either result, positive or negative, can lead you to your own improvement…
These questions are taken from tests that our Academy students are given during their basic studies.
Let’s start!
So it took three times for me to get 100 because the second time I put Bulb in again but this is what I call learning. When I was in fifth grade we had a spelling bee and it was a fellow student and I left The word was Amateur which I will never forget how to spell because it was the word I got wrong. I like these kinds of tests. Thank you Sasha for your time.
Couldn’t agree more with the previous post.
Sasha, once again you have the ability to provoke such great, thoughtful processing. My learning since starting your program is far greater than that of the wonderful art of dog grooming. Thank you so very much Sasha, for all that you have done and are doing for your students. I feel blessed to be part of your first passionate poodle group ~ I have loved every single struggle along the way, and have learned so much more than I imagined!
Bravo, bravo bravo!!!
Tres Biens!!!
Excellent!