Strategic Research is key!

RESEARCH Do Not Need to be daunting, but we need to DO It!

As a paralegal, I conducted research quite often. However, this is not the same as academic, business, or general research. The type of research I conducted is called legal research. I am writing to my WA family today, to urge you to please take your time and conduct some general research in the topic areas where you are not knowledgeable.

This is important, because research consists of not just googling what you think is pertinent. Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Breakdown:

• Research is having the courage to ask questions, but be strategic in how you do it. Please Ask people who you know have the knowledge to answer your questions.
  
• Pull the keywords from the trusted information. This helps you to identify more specifically what you are researching so you find the correct information. (Note: These are the keywords you will use to plug into search engines like Google etc. for the next level of research.)
• Be Flexible if the research takes in a different direction than previously desired. Oftentimes research brings new ideas and understanding of how you will use the information (e.g. blog post, articles etc.).
• Invest time in taking either free or paid courses to gain further understanding of the topic matter. (Note: Try YouTube, Community College online courses etc.). If you cannot find what you need here in the WA trainings.
• Please check with WA first before seeking any outside sources because this is what you are paying for monthly. (Note: IF YOU ARE NOT A WA Premium Member you may want to become one because there is a wealth of knowledge and support here!).
• Purchase some reading materials (i.e. books, audio books) dedicated to your topic of interests, if necessary.
• Take Notes! Take Notes! and Go over your notes to allow the information to penetrate. This is called LEARNING!! :)

Learning is defined as knowledge acquired through experience, study, or being taught (self taught also qualifies) .

I have observed many people research, do the steps of gathering all the information, but never go over their notes which does them no good if they haven't learned anything. It is like they feel good to have the information at their fingertips but do not put it to practical use. I call this having knowledge without wisdom to use it.

How can you correctly apply what you do not know? YOU CAN'T!

God Bless Everyone!

I hope this helps someone :)