If I learn of a new way of approaching a task, or a new tech-
nique, does it mean I have to use it? No, but I may find some-
thing useful that will allow me to modify how I approach a task
or technique.
So how do I know if I am improving in my skills, or what is the
quality of my modeling? I ask for honest feedback. This takes
courage and the willingness to hear comments that I may not
necessarily like. But the feedback taken to heart can be very
constructive. It allows me to measure my abilities, and provides
a benchmark for my skills. Without the feedback, I have no way
to measure my growth in the hobby.
To further my growth in the hobby, I recently decided to pur-
sue the NMRA Master Model Railroader merit achievement. In
reading through the requirements for the different categories,
I suddenly realized that my goal is more involved than I had
anticipated, and a lot more growth is required to achieve it.
To complete the achievement, I must step outside my comfort
zone in several areas.
While achieving the goal may take more effort and time than I
initially anticipated, in the long run the journey will be worth it.
In parting, I would like to leave you with this quote from Henry
Ford -“Whether you think you can or you think you can't –
you're right.”
Assistant Editors editorial - 3
MRH-Mar 2014
