The maneuver of throwing a ring into a lake turned out to be an error. Those who have read the “sixteen habits” of intelligent behavior will note there are also sections on “Managing Impulsivity” and “Thinking Flexibly”. My girlfriend was not happy. I flew back to California – alone.
This is where the “Persistence” behavior mattered. I could not concentrate on my studies. I went to the Dean and obtained permission to withdraw from law school and return the next semester. I consulted with my family and friends. Nearly everyone counseled me not to withdraw from school and not to go back to London.
Six days later, without telling anyone, I was back in London. I knocked on her door. One of her roommates opened the door and said nothing as she motioned my girlfriend to the door. She was of course surprised, but smiled and said, “Yes, I will marry you.”
I had to buy a second (cheaper) ring. In January it will be our 30th wedding anniversary. Perhaps my story was not responsible or even intelligent risk taking. What I do know is that Costa and Kallick are absolutely right when they write “When people hold back from taking risks, they miss opportunities.” Helping our students better understand the components of intelligence and believing as Costa and Kallick suggest, that some habits of intelligence can be identified and taught are worthy topics of discussion and consideration.
Thank you Dr. Fox and others involved in CAFE for making the effort to consider the larger picture of what we do and how we might do it better.