I remember years ago at my first fulltime “real” job, being overwhelmed with all the ins and outs of the job. There were so many rules and regulations that I was expected to know. My initial thought was, how am I ever going to learn all of this was? After about six months of working with the company, I can clearly remember thinking that in about another six months I should have this all down, and my learning would be done. Oh, how naïve I was back then! At my one year anniversary, I thought, I will NEVER be done learning here, things will always be changing and I must keep learning as much as I can.

 

Have you ever noticed that when you like something, you often times want to learn more? This doesn’t just apply at work, where we might have continuing education requirements, but also at home, in our relationships, with our faith, and with our hobbies. For many people, the word “learning” may take on a negative connotation. What, learn? I spent years doing that (learning) and I’m done. Okay, I will be honest with you…that used to be my thought. In high school and college, I thought that learning wasn’t my gift and I probably did not use the best approach to learning. BUT I’ve changed my thinking, and I am now getting different results. Here is what I’m talking about, if you want to continue preforming better at your job, growing in your faith, growing in your relationships, improving on your hobbies, then you must continue to study and to learn.

 

With today’s technology, this is made so easy. With the click of a few buttons on your computer, you can have your research done quickly. Not interested in reading, go to YouTube and find a video to watch. Feeling even lazier, ask Siri and she will give you the answer faster than you can type. 

 

I believe when we do the work to improve ourselves, the information is retained a whole lot more than when someone like our boss or spouse shares the information with us. I’m not sure why this is, but let me use this analogy to help you understand. As parents we try to teach our kids valuable lessons, lessons that we have already learned and we don’t want them to have to learn the hard way. But, what happens? The kids typically end up “forgetting” our lesson and learn the lesson their way, which all too often is the hard way, through their own mistakes.  When we take ownership of our learning, the learning typically sticks because it gives meaning to us.

 

The number one trait of a high achiever is that they have a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. They see themselves as a “work in progress” as they strive towards greater knowledge and understanding. Whatever area you are looking to grow in, my challenge to you is to continue learning through reading, watching videos and podcasts, attending conferences, etc. Make a daily time commitment for your personal and professional development. The more you learn, the more confident you become in the area you are seeking success and who doesn’t want more confidence?

 

What book, video or podcast would you recommend to others for personal or professional development?

– See more at: http://loveyourlife2.com/blog/2016/05/08/the-secret-of-high-achievers#sthash.7biLc3eJ.dpuf