What do Athletes, Musicians, and Singers engage in that most of us don’t? They know the power of being a life long learner. They understand the importance of practicing and honing your skills.
I was talking to someone about a book I read the other day. I recommended this book to this person and got a common reply.
“I don’t need to read any books. They don’t tell me anything I don’t already know”.
Imagine a Basketball Player telling his coach that he no longer needed to participate in any practice. He already knew how to dunk a ball. That his mastery of scoring 3-pointers proved he already knew it all.
That player would probably be traded as soon as the coach could manage it. Not because he wasn’t skilled but because his refusal to stop practicing would eventually impact his stats and his team’s results.
Become a life long learner. Thinking that you know it all only tricks you into thinking that you don’t need to keep learning. This can not only be detrimental to both your career and your personal growth.
There are too many people already saying to themselves, “I’ve been a manager for 20 years, I know what I’m doing”.
One of the most powerful traits one can have is the ability to stay humble. Believing that there is always more to learn.
“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.
Rabindranath Tagore
There may be skills that you have mastered. Skills that got you up to your career ladder. You may know about the tasks that you were charged to accomplish. What about the practice of being better at who you are?
Soft skills are sometimes referred to as transferable skills or professional skills. As this term implies, these are skills that are less specialized, less rooted in specific vocations, and more aligned with the general disposition and personality of a candidate.
Skills can always be honed and practiced.
If reading a book is not an option, what about an audiobook, or podcast? Take a course or seek a mentor that can help support your personal growth.
If you want to learn Golf, you would probably start by learning the rules and then practicing your swing. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the sport.
If you want to be a better leader, learn the best practices of the most successful leaders available.
What one trait or skill that if you worked on, would make your job easier?
- Communication
- Self-Motivation
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Determination
- Or another skill not mentioned
You are reading this post which means that you don’t believe the myth of “knowing it all”. Become a lifelong learner and discover the possibilities that it will bring you.
What skill if improved on would help you in your life or work?
Our lives can get pretty hectic and it can be easy to get lost in our actions. When we are so focused on what is ahead, we forget to pause, reflect and find ways to energize our minds. These 5-minute motivation posts are meant to give you that recharge. The goal is to give you a 5-minute Vitamin for your mind through quotes, posts, and videos. It is also meant to challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.
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