You Can't Teach What You're Unwilling To Learn

Are You teaching without credentials? We all are to some degree. But the more we do it, the less learning takes place.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades.  

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom.  

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like: 

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options?  

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change?  

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future.  

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisdom-of-the-grasshopper

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

You Can’t Teach What You’re Unwilling to Learn

We’re all teachers in one way or another—with wins and losses to show for it. But the real growth starts when we admit: we don’t know it all. That simple truth opens the door to learning.

We’ve all heard “do as I say,” but those words rarely stick unless we see someone living them. A dad saying, “Be a man, my son” means nothing if his actions don’t back it up. And “good girls don’t do that” falls flat if the person saying it has a history of doing exactly that.

Reminds me of my mom.

She had plenty of opinions, but one lesson stuck with me. When I asked for her advice, she’d give it—raw and unfiltered—and then end with, “You’re gonna do what you’re gonna do anyway.”

Oddly enough, that line made me consider her advice even more. She knew she didn’t always have the moral high ground—but she didn’t pretend to. That honesty gave her more credibility, not less.

There’s an old saying: we teach what we most need to learn. I’ve found that to be painfully true—especially in golf. My buddy jokes it’s the only game you can play once and feel qualified to teach.

Same goes for communication. I’ve spent years teaching it—in broadcasting and in life—but often struggled to practice it myself.

I used to think “knowing” was the goal. But knowing can make you rigid. What actually works? Curiosity. Openness. The attitude of “let’s figure this out together.”

Real communication isn’t just talking or even listening—it’s learning. Every conversation, even the ones in your own head, is a chance to learn something new.

Try this: notice your thoughts like you’re listening to a wire tap. Don’t judge. Just observe. You’ll start to hear the automatic nature of your conditioned thinking—and when you do, space opens up for some new learning to come through.

I used to think learning about others wasn’t important. I figured I already knew enough, and I just needed to let them know it. Looking back, I call that “throwing up on people.”

I still slip up, but I’ve gotten way better.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Great teachers are great learners. The worst ones just tell you what they know.

If you want to teach something—anything—start by learning about the people you're teaching. It’ll go further. It’ll go deeper.

Many people use the old axiom “live and learn.”  That can take a long time. You can speed up the process just by turning that phrase on its ear - "learn and live.

All the best,
 John