I saw a sign posted in my sons 1st grade classroom and realized the phrase explains exactly what I’ve been thinking about when it comes to learning.

“You are Responsible for You”

As simple and basic as it might seem, this phrase is a good reminder for us, especially when it comes to learning & doing. No one will do the work for you to learn. You need to be responsible for that.

The phrase is a strong reminder that people need to take action with their learning and things they want to be in charge of. The opposite of this responsibility is something called passive learning. Passive learning limits us and fools us into thinking that we know more than we actually do.

A classic example of passive learning is seen when people show up to class but don’t really learn anything. No one can or will memorize things for you. You have to focus on the task and really give it your best. We often glance at things and think, “I got it.” But that’s actually not the case with learning. You need to check your memory, get involved, ask questions, take notes, read. Doing so is the act of taking responsibility for you.

Jiu Jitsu works the same way. People show up to class waiting to learn the lesson of the day. They practice and they go home. But there are plenty of other things that can and should be done. When it comes down to it, no one will do the rolling for you. You could take notes on the technique learned, do some visualization of things covered, look up video on things you practiced, and ask questions.

When you take responsibility for you, you are engaged and involved. You’re not passively waiting for the knowledge or skill to be uploaded into yourself. You are actively downloading things and filing the information, sifting it, organizing the details, and asking questions.