Being a slow learner

Are you a fast learner?

Some people are. I think I am not.

It will have to take me time to “Get It!”

I envy people who learn quickly. I wished I could be a fast learner.

And then one day I realized there are many people who can learn fast but they forget fast. There are people who learn quickly but get bored easily.

Now I know myself better. The reason why I am a slow learner it is because I want to internalize everything I learn. I want what I learn to be a part of me.

I find it hard to memorize. When people come to me and ask me the question: “Francis, don’t you remember me?” It’s one of the most uncomfortable moments for me. Now I have a standard response. I would smile and then suddenly look serious and say, “I have a brilliant memory but it’s too short and it’s low on battery.”

This is why this article from the famous comedian Dave Barry caught my attention. The title of the article is “Slow Learner.”

And these are the things Dave Barry said:

Things it took me over 50+ years to learn.    

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.  

2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings.”

3. There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”  

4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.  

5. You should not confuse your career with your life.  

6. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. (This one is very important)  

7. Never lick a steak knife.  

8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.  

9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.  

10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.  

11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.  

12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.  

13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)  

14. Your friends love you anyway.  

15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.  

16. Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine . . They start out as grapes; and it’s up to the women to stomp the yoghurt out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.    

So there you are. I am in good company.

I’m a slow learner too.

It took me years to realize that those I have loved and cared for could one day turn against me and try to destroy me.

I have learned that every person changes. We just have to make sure we change for the better and not for the worst.

I have learned that having a fun and smiling family is worth more than all the wealth and riches we could accumulate in our lifetime.

And I have learned that having an intimate relationship with Christ is not being religious but being sure that I get to spend the rest of eternity with Him.

Don’t make a big deal out of being a slow learner. It’s always better than those who never learned at all. 

(Francis Kong will be the lead trainer for the Dr. John Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You” leadership program this May 28-29 at Dusit Hotel. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-6872614 OR 09178511115)