Never Stop Learning
This post is part 5 of a 6 part series entitled, Leadership at Work and Home – Never Stop Learning
NEVER STOP LEARNING
Failure happens to EVERYONE! Did you know that Donald Trump has filed bankruptcy before? Not once, not twice – 4 Times according to an April 2011 ABC NEWS Report.
Get this, I know a person who was incarcerated for multiple DWI’s. While in prison, he became a trustee and worked in maintenance (his work background). But while there he saw an opportunity to learn about raising cows because his prison unit was surrounded by livestock. He learned about raising calves, and when released – he eventually went to an auction, bought the smallest little calf, and raised it. Was it easy? NO – but he took his failure in choice, learned from it, and even learned a new skill along the way!
Make it a habit to read books on subjects you’re interested in.
Here’s one I’ve only really learned over the last 5 years. I did not like reading growing up. I read because I had to. But then I discovered one author that I really liked – John Grisham. I found I could read his cover to cover – and actually enjoyed it. Then I found out that knowledge was power (YES this was after getting 2 degrees). I found out you could learn a lot by reading, and soon became an information junkie. You can learn to do anything by reading or listening to an audio recording. There are literally hundreds and thousands of programs to choose from. If you subscribe to Success Magazine, your monthly subscription includes a CD, you can purchase audio books, or even seminars.
“Everyone has the will to win it’s only those with the will to prepare that do win.” Bobby Knight.
What is that you’re doing right now to prepare to win? If you want to be a successful business owner, what are you doing in your preparation that will empower you to win? Is there a skill you can improve, is there a talent you have that you’ve never developed – but relied upon to get you by? Maybe it’s time to change your preparation style. There is a tremendous confidence you can have knowing you are well prepared prior to any endeavor. “Most people won’t put in the time to get a knowledge advantage” Mark Cuban.
Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below answering the following questions –
What’s my attitude about learning and growing as a person?
Before I go to sleep tonight, what can I do to learn?
Am I losing a competitive edge because I am unwilling to grab the “knowledge advantage”?
15 Responses to “Never Stop Learning”
Trackbacks / Pingbacks
- - 2012
I agree on the reading thing… Knowledge IS power!
I never fully understood the power of reading until I became and adult. It unlocks the doors of opportunity, and you can self-educate. Truly empowering. Thanks DS!
Duane Scott,
Have you read any good books lately? I’m always on the look out for good books.
How about the other DS?
My current reading list – The Secret, Mark Miller (leadership); Boundaries, Dr. Cloud (relationships); & Radical, David Platt (soul).
Such an important topic to know and apply. The people who are reaching toward their dreams and potential are always learning.
I place a high value on my personal and spiritual development. I make it a point to read, listen to audio, or do something that allows me to become better on a daily basis.
Those are excellent tips Dan. What tools do you use to help you apply what you’ve consumed?
I use Evernote to help me remember and implement the different things I’m learning. It’s great because I have it synced with my phone and laptop. Do you use Evernote?
No I haven’t progressed to that yet. I’m hooked on yello sticky’s, my spiral notebooks (personal favorite), and index cards.
I’d love to hear more about Evernote.
I have been thinking about writing a post about Evernote, until I do here is the link to the site, http://evernote.com/
Awesome – thanks!
If you read 5 books on most subjects, you will become one of the world’s experts in it. That’s how rare it is. And if you are widely read, you are more interesting and a better conversationalist. Love that section.
Only 5 books? I suppose that’s an additional reason I feel more confidence about certain topics.
Reading has been instrumental in my growth as a person – I just never really understood how powerful it was. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
I never liked reading growing up either. Now I love books. A good one I started recently was So Good They Can’t Ignore You, by Cal Newport. Thanks for sharing, David!
As I look back, I wish that my teachers had encouraged a wider sample of genres. I haven’t heard of the book you referenced, so I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for commenting!