
This is the final post in my 16 lessons learned over (my first) 16 years in business. For a summary with links to the other 15, scroll down to post 15,
Use Wisely Your Power of . . ..I announced this lesson during our online party last Friday, as promised.
But now it is time to share it with you.
The title of the post, could have been written for better search engine optimization, but that would have given you the answer.
The biggest lesson I've learned in 16 years in business is that in order to be more successful, you must continue to learn.
If you are thinking to yourself, "Duh Kevin, that isn't so profound," read on - because that attitude certainly isn't conducive to the learning mindset. (And a open, curious learning mindset is extremely valuable!)
As human beings, we are learning beings. We are truly at our best when we are using our gifts, including our gift of learning, to it's fullest extent. I've learned this, and while I believe it with all my heart, but I can tell you that until I'm blue in the face and it won't motivate you to act as a learner more of the time.
I could also tell you that the key word is being a
continual learner is the key. I used to think we needed to be continuous learners, but I believe there is a key difference. Continually means being on a path. Continuous means never stopping. It would be pretty hard to always be learning (at a conscious level). The only thing I can think of that we truly do continuously is breathe. Beyond that, we need a break.
I'd like to continually eat, but not continuously eat. I'd like to continually laugh, but not continuously laugh. I think you get the idea. we can't consciously continuously learn, but to become our best selves we must continually learn.
I've learned that be be a great learner, we must be continually learning, which includes rest and reflection.
And I've learned, that as valuable as this discussion of continuous vs. continual might be, this won't likely move you to learn more intentionally either.
But this might.
Think for a minute about what you want more of in your life. Think about your goals, dreams and aspirations. Whatever they are, and whether they are personal or professional in nature, you can not achieve them without learning.
If you already knew everything, everyone and all of the particulars, you would have already achieved those things. Learning is by definition a part of the journey towards anything we want and desire.
Would you like to get to your goals faster? Would you like the accelerant, the secret sauce to faster achievement?
Learning.
Learn more and learn faster and you will accelerate your progress towards achievement.
Create the habits, discipline and mindset to become a continual learner and you will have found the secret sauce.
Perhaps it is ironic that a guy who says he is in the learning business sees this as his biggest lesson. Ironic, perhaps, but no less true.
Labels: accelerated learning, learning, learning habits