Wow, what a great set of habits! Some of these are familiar to me, others- not so much.
"Begin with the end in mind"
I struggle with this habit. Mostly because I often don't have the time to figure out the end before I actually have to get started on the project/assignment. I tend to live my life from one deadline to the next, out of necessity, and so I don't often have time to build the whole goal. I have learned to have a simple goal in mind, and then to be flexible in the final product, whatever that might be. I have learned that if I get too attached to the details of the picture in my head that it causes me a lot of stress. On the other hand, if I am open and flexible, I can adapt as I go, while still heading in the direction I want to go.
"Accept responsibility for your own learning"
I'm not sure entirely what this means. Does it mean that I am responsible to create learning opportunities for myself and follow through? Does it mean that I should be responsible enough to accept the consequences of my learning decisions? Does it mean both?
"View problems as challenges"
I am very good at this. One of my strongest self-labels is "problem-solver". I don't like to spend a lot of time whining, although I must admit, I make VERY GOOD USE of my whining time! :) But really, my first reaction to any problem is "What do we do next?" And when I work with my students or my own children, thats my first question... OK, what can we do about it? I spend a LOT of time thinking about solutions, whether it is with teaching, or organizing my house, or being a Mom. I am ALL ABOUT the solutions.
"Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner"
I also consider myself a competent and effective learner... unless of course it involves math. In that case, anything could happen!
"Create your own learning toolbox"
I am also a strong proponent of the toolbox. In my classroom, it is my stated to goal to send kids off to the next grade with a set of tools they can use in any classroom. For students, this includes outlining, flash cards, reading comprehension and many others. For me, my toolbox includes talking to team members or experts. It includes searching the internet for information that I need to solve my problems or complete my tasks. And it involves hard work and organization.
"Use technology to your advantage"
In my school, I am considered as one of the teachers that can "do tech". I answer a lot of questions, and teach a lot of professional development classes. I also try to learn a new tech something and incorporate it into my class every year. This year I am learning to use clickers, Edmodo, my interactive whiteboard and NoodleTools. Funny thing happened this Christmas though... I went from being the tech person in my house to losing my spot... in the past 6 months my husband has acquired both a touch-screen phone and an Ipad. I, on the other hand, am still left with my Blackberry and a laptop. My 2 year old gets annoyed, because none of my screens will move for him, AND I don't have Angry Birds. I'm not enjoying my demotion! :)
"Teach/Mentor others"
I do this all the time. I do this for my 8th graders, for my school faculty, for my District, for my own kids. It's how I roll.
"Play"
I am horrible at this. ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I enjoy a good laugh, and I actually know that they are essential to my sanity. But, I am not good at playing. That's why I married my husband... he is genius at play, and my kids are grateful! :)
