Humans learn by imitating others. Recently, I was reminded of just how effective modeling others can be.

Here in Ottawa, Canada, I wanted to ice skate the world’s longest outdoor skating rink — and at 4.8 miles in length, it’s quite a skate! I’ve only skated a few times as an adult, and I was having some difficulty getting into the flow of the movement.

Then I remembered that if I observed others around me who were skating well, I could model their movements. So I mimicked another skater and within minutes, I was balanced, relaxed and comfortable.

Psychologists are beginning to understand that our brains learn by using neurons that mirror the brain activity of the person we’re observing. This in part explains things like empathy, compassion and learning through modeling.

Action – What would you like to learn? Who provides you with the best model?

Find them and mirror them.

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