Speaker
David Motto
Performance coach, author and a member of the Recording Academy
Anyone, at Any Age Can Learn Anything
Rick Raybin introduced friend and speaker David Motto
There is a tendency to think we have God given talents, without which we don't have much of a shot.
This isn't true
His mission is to review the research and design practical strategies that can be deployed to enhance the learning process. He is not a PhD, nor a researcher himself.
He is NOT saying that one can, by taking up tennis be as good as the Williams sisters or by taking up acting to be as good as Meryl Streep. One is not going to become world class.
He IS saying that by learning new things, one becomes more confident about one's abilities, gain proficiency and competence, meaning and have fun!
What learn new things?
1) It's fun
2) Getting around other people that do what you like to do
3) There are health benefits--though not conclusive, research is leading in the direction of demonstrating improved coordination, brain development and balance.
One gets the most by learning something new every couple of years.
Can one REALLY learn ANYTHING? YES:
• Unless you have physical or mental limitations
• Make the time
• Have determination and grit
Don't worry about having talent--there is no genetic component for this.
Mozart's father was the leading music teacher in Europe. He started learning piano as toddler, as did his older sister.
Tiger Woods had early and extensive training from his father.
Your TRUE GIFT is brain plasticity as was discovered by Marian Diamond 20 years ago. It is always rewiring.
Is it as fast when one is 80? No.
Functional imaging shows how brains develop and are rewired as one is learning something new.
The cabbies in London (who have to pass the most difficult test there is--to know the streets and places of London) when tested showed and increased hippocampus.
New neural pathways increase skills.
We all know that exercising your muscles builds muscles. The same is true for the brain.
What's the best way to learn?
1) Be willing
2) Don't utilize a casual practice (the 10,000 hours professed by Malcolm Gladwell is wrong--just because you've put in 10,000 hours of driving doesn't make you a formula one driver)
3) Make a deliberate practice
-build individual skills and build on them--don't expect a big outcome right away (e.g. hitting a bucket of balls then expecting to play 18 holes of golf)
-if you're learning a language know how you're going to use it and start with those words and phrases
-short bursts of highly focused effort, 10 minutes at a time, 5 - 6 days a week (Babble a language learning app is good if you want to learn a language.
Take-aways:
1) It's not what you were or weren't born with
2) Your brain is elastic
3) It is a process--and get a coach!
To Business
The Pledge
John Root
The Thought
Kitty Lopez
Be thoughtful for all that you are and have.
You are someone else's fairytale.
Song
Kristin Jensen and Laura Bent lead us in Amazing Grace with beautiful harmonies
News
Peter Webb
A criminal really got the jump on Black Friday by "shopping" before the store was open!
Thanksgiving was the last day in November (set by Lincoln). It was changed by FDR to 4th Thursday so there would be more time for holiday shopping. Black Friday is because it is the first time retail is "in the black".
John Stewart was going to replicate the Pilgrims--by welcoming the Native Americans to enjoy the harvest with him and then later, stealing their land. Which they have been recouping, one casino at a time.
Sunshine Report
Bernie Mellott, no Sunshine Report
Guests
Rachel Del Monte, Juliana Fuerberger (Calif. Clubhouse)
Laura Bent, Bart Charlow (Samaritan House)
Steve Way, Ron Winch (sp?)
Yvonne Shiu, 2 students from San Mateo High School, Marina and Vita, who were raising money for their food drive. They thanked San Mateo Rotary for their generosity (and wanted us to beat Foster City Rotary which they raised $500 from the previous week). We raised $917 (and counting because Susan Manheimer jumped in and wanted to get it to $1000, which we did.)
Announcements
Margaret Taylor announced that we will be raising cash this year for holiday gifts to go to Samaritan House and Police Activities League. There is a link on the website or Rotarians can donate at the check in table.
Big Game
The Stanford Alums, headed by Dick Bennett challenged the CAL Alums to bet on the game. Mark Avelar countered with a point spread. More on the 30th.
Fun Rotary Fellowship Event
Anne LeClair
Swingin' Door
January 6, 7:30 pm
To reserve: annel@smccvb.com
Christmas Party
Dec. 21 in the evening
at Poplar Creek
$35.00 + cash bar
Bring a white elephant gift
New member! Bess Cane
Club Gift
Tony Villanueva presented a check to Samaritan House for $1,000 to thank them for serving meals every quarter for the residents at Rotary Hacienda (where Tony serves on the board). Bart Charlow thanked the club for all the kinds things that our club does for Samaritan House, #WeareSAMhouse. Tony also joined the President's Club.
Tom Thompson joined President's Club. He has been very busy working on opposing 19 separate rent control measures, all of which have been defeated.
Paul Rogerville joined for $50 and challenged Allan Talansky to do the same in honor of the Fun Run.
—Rachel Meyer, Spinner
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