I'm learning a lot about perseverance this week - week three of my return to study architecture after a gap of 15 years. Technology has surpassed me and kids the same age as my daughter draw like mini Michelangelo's! It's easy too feel less than adequate. During times like this the "easy" option is to quit.

But quitting won't help me achieve my end goal - making a living from creating regenerative architecture... Homes and buildings that improve life.

Quitting won't help me learn what I came to learn or acquire the skills I'm weak in.

So how do I boost my flagging spirits and growing frustration:

cultivate patience - remind myself mastery takes time
practise - related to the above is the fact that mastery takes work. More practise, much more in some areas, is needed

ask for help - head for the experts and ask them to give a little of their time - pay them for coaching and assistance if need be. I did this when I did my Commerce Degree back in 1996 and was struggling with statistics and quantative analysis and it worked a treat

look to mentors - i find architects like John Launter who weren't formerly trained and value skills I have encouraging

delay making a decision - today after an average critique session and mediocre lectures I felt like quitting. I also have my period, am lacking sleep and am generally unsettled - not helped by being away from home and lugging books and materials from campus to campus, house to house. My partner has made me promise not to decide about quitting until after the weekend. He knows I'll feel differently after a rest:)

stress less - keep stress levels at bay by exercising, eating well, resting, time with friends - and time alone!

Have fun - remind myself to enjoy the ride and to be grateful I have this wonderful opportunity:)

Labels: achieving goals, diary of an architect