Great Students are Simple; Willing

If there’s a skill worth acquiring, I’d say the ability to be a student is atop of the list. It’s such a valuable skill because if one can assume the role of student, he/she can unlock virtually any other role or title. The upside speaks for itself, but it’s the downside that makes it rare. 

The downsides of being a student include a submissive mentality. It’s a mentality that places the subject and/or the teacher in a lofted position and it requires humility to assume the role of student. Being a student is inherently a laborious role. This is another reason being a great student is rare. Assuming the role of student does damage to the ego and most every ego wants nothing to do with anything that doesn’t inflate it. 

When you hear people describe past instances as a student somewhere for some thing, listen for how they describe their experience. Most will make excuses or place blame beyond themselves. These are red flags. 

Why? 

It’s simple. The essence of the role of a student is a willingness to learn. It has “not knowing” and underdevelopment built right into the definition. Being a poor student then isn’t a lack of skill, it’s a lack of willingness.