Constant learning is vital to a fulfilling life. I used to want to be more involved in meaningful conversations and share with people, but often felt that I didn’t have anything to offer. It was only when I started regularly pouring new information into my mind, that I realized you can’t share what you don’t know.
I love reading books and listening to podcasts about subjects I enjoy. That is where I learn a lot of what I share with others here in my blog as well as in my coaching and speaking. Learner is one of my top five strengths on the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. That means that I truly enjoy gathering information and sharing it with other people.
Learning may not be in your top strengths. Does that mean you can’t enjoy learning? Absolutely not! There are many ways to learn. I’ve heard Zig Ziglar share about the administrative assistant who worked for him many years and still works with the Ziglar business. She never finished high school but became one of his most valued employees. Why? Because she observed people around her and learned from them. When she faced a task she didn’t know how to do, she found out how and did it. She stayed open to adding to her skills.
I realized many years ago that just spending time around people who are smarter than me, and know more than me, caused me to grow and learn what I otherwise would not have known. I not only learned how to do new tasks throughout my career, but I also learned how to more effectively interact with others – just by observing the professionals I supported. With time I began to realize that I could become a professional, which is what catapulted me forward into learning and ultimately finding what I love. Helping people find what they love and become their best is my sweet spot.
Read books, listen to audiobooks, pay attention to other people, place yourself in positions to spend time around people who are doing what you want to do. This is where true growth occurs.
Learn and grow so you can live! . . . your life to the fullest.