Never stop learning - always be open

I feel like this a good vibe to end the year off on, and also good to start next year on, so here we are.

In one of the presentations at ONTABACON2022 the presenter went on and on about how good clinicians are willing to try things, encourage reflection, interested in new technologies, and takes on challenges. Further, they quoted another who said everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.

My personal favourite is: if everyone is patting your back, you’re in the wrong room.

I encourage myself to try different things. I make exceptions for the kids. So long as these are not detrimental to their ongoing progress, these may be in the child’s best interest.

I encourage reflection. I spend a lot of my free time thinking about how a session went, how things could go differently, what could have happened differently, and how to help more effectively in the future.

I am interested in new technologies. I think that’s why I like that CEUs are necessary part of the BCBA license. I enjoy that I have to go out in search of something interesting to learn.

I take on new challenges. Well. Kind of. I take on challenges that are within my skill level. I am careful to stay in my competence. Ask for assistance if it’s not, or just decline if it’s not something I’m qualified for. But sometimes, a child who is very-much in my wheelhouse throws out a curveball and I have to encourage myself to try something different, reflect on what I saw, or seek out some assistance.

Stay Open!