When I was in ski instructor training (in college, believe it or not!), I remember one of my young hot-shot fellow students saying that. It was before the snow had fallen, and the pre-season bragging was in full swing. To make a long story short, he quietly dropped out of class shortly after the first embarrassing day on snow. I don’t remember him, but I sure remember his skiing and have never forgotten that comment. I had taken up skiing at 18 (and was 22 at the time), and knew how little I knew! Two years later, I was voted the instructor of the year in the program.
Since then, I have cultivated an attitude in myself to never use the word “learned”; it is “learning,” thank you. Buddhists refer to it as a “beginner’s mentality.” A beginner is more open-minded and has a steeper learning curve (improves faster). I may not be a beginning banjoist, but I’m certainly a beginning jazz improvisor! I was also a beginner with the Classic banjo style just 7 years ago, and am still discovering new tricks and techniques within that great 100-year-old music. That’s why I harp so much on learning historical styles; the four-string banjo’s history is a lot broader than most of us realize.
One of my favorite quotes (modified for gender equality):
“The smart person thinks s/he knows everything; the wise person knows s/he knows nothing.”
Believe me, there is always more to learn! Staying open and receptive to learning is the best way to, well, continue learning. Are you happy with your present level of banjo playing, or do you wish you could be better? Do you rest on your laurels, or do you keep progressing? If you’re already “really good,” does that mean you have already realized your potential?
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!”
Great excuse, but I’m sorry, that just doesn’t cut it; you may think you’re joking, but inside you believe it, or you wouldn’t say it. Stop saying it for a little while and see what happens! While you’re at it, stop saying “I can’t remember anything.” You want that to become literally true? Say it enough and it will!
One of my best friends in the world is 91 years old, and every time I see him, he has improved and is working hard on one thing or the other. I’ve told him many times “you’re what I want to be when I grow up.” If you believe you can no longer learn something, then you’re right; you can’t because your mentality won’t allow it! Another favorite quote; this one is from Henry Ford:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
I could go on and on (just like most of my blogs!), but I think I’ve made my point. Okay, just one more point: An attitude of constantly moving forward and improving has been proven to at least stall the onset of dementia*; need any more encouragement?
*https://startsat60.com/health/how-your-attitude-to-ageing-can-prevent-alzheimers-disease