what studying social work has taught me thus far

I have been enrolled in graduate school to obtain my Masters in Social Work (MSW) for nearly six months.  It has been an eye-opening and gratifying experience thus far. I have realized how much I've missed learning as well as what a good fit this profession is for me. One of the things I like most about social work is it's a profession that promotes life-long learning.  To become licensed as a social worker is to commit to a certain number of professional development hours annually.  Some, but not all professions, require similar commitments.  

This policy appeals to me because it implies self-improvement is a good thing.  None of us are ever a finished product because none of us are perfect.  When working in the social/human services & social justice arenas it is nearly impossible to know exactly what to do or say in every situation, because humans are unpredictable!  We are not expected to get it right every time, especially in the beginning.  However, as long as we are recognizing and learning from our mistakes (and always acting ethically) we can't be faulted for our efforts.  I think this applies to when we're working with others and when dealing with ourselves.  Instead of berating ourselves for making mistakes we must accept them as learning opportunities to simply do better the next time.  If we are always doing the best we can and embracing the fact that no one has all the answers there is admirable potential in that humility.  Each time we put forth our best effort we are becoming better, more capable, and more compassionate humans.

My good friend pointed out to me very recently that any aspect of self-improvement is a life-long commitment.  To fundamentally change something about yourself for the better is to wake up every day committing to that change.  Think of an alcoholic remaining sober--he/she chooses not to drink every single day.  I've heard addicts say they are only ever one day away from risking their sobriety.  Those of us committed to self-improvement go through the same process.  

The cult favorite book The Secret claims it takes thirty days to make something a habit. Thirty days for something to become just another part of our routine.  I wonder if this also applies to more cerebral habits like staying sober or re-framing the way we think about & perceive things, or if it just works with tasks like flossing every day.  Of course, making something a habit or routine does not necessarily mean it becomes easier to do, it's just not as hard to make yourself do it.  So, let's all commit to trying to do better for the next month and see what happens :).