In previous issues of VISION, I talked about having the right people in the right seats on the bus. In thinking about the forward movement of that bus, lifelong learning helps keeps the momentum. These folks never settle for what they currently know and always seek to improve and build upon their current knowledge. People become smarter with the power of knowledge and solve problems more easily. Who doesn’t want them on their bus?
In this busy world, it may be hard to find time to learn anything that isn’t repeatedly shoved in our face. But if we can find time to learn a bit more, it is well worth the effort. Both personal and professional development are extremely rewarding, and I encourage you to make some time to grow and expand your knowledge.
Here are some tips for including the habit of continuous learning in our busy life.
Read! Reading helps cultivate curiosity, expand imagination and develop a greater appreciation for those who are different from you.
“Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.”-Albert Einstei
Think! Simply reading the wisdom of others isn’t enough; you must think through ideas yourself. Spend time journaling or contemplating over ideas you have read.
Apply! Skill-based continuous learning is useless if it isn’t used. Reading a book on a coding language isn’t the same thing as writing a program. Watching a YouTube segment on painting isn’t the same as picking up a brush. Knowledge must be put it into practice to improve those in the seats.
Taking risk by setting out to do something you don’t know how to do, whether in a personal or business environment is valuable. Forced learning in this way can be fun and challenging and make you more valuable to your teammates on the bus.
The desire to learn must come from within; few external forces are going to persuade you to do it. And sometimes it may seem a daunting task. But if you set learning goals, plan and take action to keep yourself moving, you will find yourself immersed in true learning.
When you make lifelong learning a priority it helps you enhance the depth and breadth of your knowledge, which can subsequently help provide key insights and opportunities to move business forward.
The more you know and learn, the more you will realize what there is available to know and learn. Start building momentum for greater chances of lifelong achievement and happiness.
