Spur Excellence with Miller's L.O.V.E. to Learn Circle

As an executive coach, trainer and facilitator of learning I am constantly seeking new ways to make the complex simple, applicable and sustainable. Upon the completion of my master's program in adult education with an emphasis on human resource development, I created a simple model of learning which offers a quick methodology to unlock lifelong learning.

Miller's L.O.V.E. to Learn Circle was created with the intention of raising awareness around four phases of content absorption and application that help take what naturally sparks interest and spurs excellence. 

L.O.V.E.

1. Listen + Learn

The process is magnified when you tune into a specific personal value contained in the information you are exposed to. As a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I would mentally fix my intention on a set goal inside the four corners of the ring, and for the most part my body would follow my focus.

The same can be said for opportunities to learn and grow.

Mentally setting the stage increases the likelihood you will in fact make progress. The reticular activating system (RAS) located by the brain stem is a built-in system that hunts and gathers specific pieces of information that supports your perspective. As you step into each day, listen closely and pick up those clues that support your vantage point, and the person you're committed to showing up as in the world. Too often, we give power to other people's opinions, allowing those ideas to define who we are and rendering ourselves vulnerable to false information and increased anxiety.

We live in a society that overloads us with information and it's easy to get overwhelmed and paralyzed, rather than empowered and motivated. The next time you find yourself presented with new information, pause and ask yourself:

What's in it for me that will add meaning to my life and make me a better person?

As you release pieces of information that do not serve you, clear out the head trash and open up mental space.

2. Observe:

Resurrect your childlike curiosity. Be openly fascinated with what's around you and you'll absorb content like a sponge. When I facilitate an seminar or workshop, I invite participants to practice intentional observation. When you perk up and move into an idea, you are receiving with interest. Similar to a treasure hunt, you seek clues based on that which sparks your attention.

Engagement occurs when you identify with information. It's like a "Tell me More" button within. 

As a child, you simply existed in the present with a high level of awareness, giving you the ability to truly tune in and create constantly. You, yes you, would capture with awe and wonder the small details of life that we walk by daily: a roly-poly, a snow flake. 

3. Visualize: 

Sensory acuity – visual, auditory, etc. – comes at us incessantly. What causes some information to stick and other information to evaporate?

Two elements are required for information to move beyond our short-term memories and into the vast storage center of long-term memory: 

A visual and a powerful emotion.

For example, you hear a song, smell a scent in the presence of a powerful, positive emotional experience and the next time you hear that tune or smell that odor, you instantly pull up a visual that was created. 

Imagination and visualization walk hand and hand. As a child you constantly used the gift of your imagination to create your reality. All things were possible for you because you believed they were: magical kingdoms, super hero powers and the ability to transform pillows and blankets into secret hideouts. You did it back then and you can do it now. 

The practical use of visualization in the learning environment looks like this: you learn something, you pause and observe. The next step is to visualize how this information will shift your view in a positive and meaningful way. What will that look like, feel like and sound like as you utilize the valuable content in daily life?

4.: Explore:

Explore the specific action steps to integrate meaningful content into your daily life, personally and professionally. 

When you explore with positive intention and forward momentum, you expand your influence factor. 

For example, let’s say you just learned three positive responses proven to increase effective connection in relationships you care about, you will now explore specific behaviors that you will commit to that will help you anchor those positive responses into the relationships you care about.

An explore statement after learning, would look like this: “I commit to ask effective questions for clarity in my conversations this week and release mind-reading along with assuming I know what other people are thinking. I will practice releasing my need to be right, liked and understood and replace that need with curious and unattached conversations.”