Never Stop Learning

One of the biggest fallacies in life is that we learn all we need to know between Junior Kindergarten and University. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each day the world changes whether we like it or not. The challenge is to stay ahead or at best even with the changes. This effort to keep up requires an ongoing learning outlook.

Think back only say one month. What do you know now that you did not know this time one month ago? Whatever it is, it is part of your new knowledge base. Perhaps it is a shortcut to get to work. Perhaps it is a new way to make something or do something you enjoy. Regardless it is knowledge and it was learned.The key is to make as many moments of each and every day a "learning moment".

Of course, this is greatly assisted by participating in learning programs. Notice I did not say 'training programs'. The difference while subtle is significant.You are trained to do something by rote and repetition. Perhaps it is how to improve your golf swing. Your muscles and mind are trained to work in a specific way by repetition. It has been said that a new swing can only be created by practicing a minimum of 21 times for 21 days. Not sure if that is true because I never lasted the 21 days.

Learning on the other hand is the experiencing of something and creating from that experience your own understanding. In other words it is to internalize the data, synthesize the data and then be able to analyze and come to some conclusion. Of course, the presenter would greatly appreciate if you could take the experience and come to his / her conclusion but that is not always the case. Nor should it be. Each of us is a unique combination of the training we have had and the learning we have undertaken. Therefore, the result of the internalizing; synthesizing and analysis will often lead each of us to a different conclusion, all be it, many will be almost indistinguishable from the other.

The intent of this item is to make the very reading of it a learning moment.What was your most significant learning moment? Why would you say that?

Try Reconnecting

While looking through a social networking site recently found a name I recognized. This individual and I had worked in the same organization some 8 - 10 years ago. Since then both of us had gone our separate ways. However, I remembered her as a knowledgeable and understanding HR specialist.

Taking the initiative, a request to join my network was sent. The result, was acceptance. Not only that but this individual is now in a position to secure work for a number of trainers. As it happens I know a few trainers who could use steady or contract work. The result, was the putting together of a couple of parties who may have a mutual need.

For me, the result was a feeling of satisfaction. Having done something to help someone else was like paying it forward. I believe it will return to me ten fold in some form or another. Have you tried this with social networking. If not, what are you waiting for, start reconnecting with your past. The value is there to be found, mine that field for gold.

Embracing Change

In this economic environment there are countless individuals who find themself looking for a new job after not having to do so for a great number of years. For many this is a truly tramatic situation filled with what seems to be nothing but negativity.

For others the situation is one of great promise. Perhaps they have always wanted to do something different but never wanted to take the chance. Now the chance, opportunity, challenge, whatever word you want to use has been forced upon them.

Having gone through that situation myself back in 1992 I can relate to their feelings. You are excited yet scared stiff at the same time. However, it can also be exhilarating. For me it was the chance to go back to school, add some credentials and step into my life's real career.

Whatever an individual decides is best for them that is what is best for them as long as they are committed to that course. Where I believe we often fall short is when the goal is not clear and we give up when it starts to get a bit more fuzzy.

The best advice I would give anyone in today's environment is to:

"Set your course and stay your course. The other shore, success is not that far away!"

The Devil's in the Detail

Have you ever heard the saying "the devil's in the detail"? Perhaps you are of my generation and that was a common phrase in your formative years. Perhaps you are of Generation X, Generation Y or whatever the most recent buzz words are. In that case you may have never heard the phrase.

Got to thinking about it today because someone asked me how many books I had sold from my inventory. Good question, must go count. Oh and by the way, who bought them?

Well the anal part of my mind kicked in and you guessed what. I have another Excel spreadsheet that tracks inventory, sales, gifting of copies, cost and profit. The devil may be in the detail but the detail tells me how the devil I am doing. So, is it good or bad? The answer is in the mind of the individual. It works for me but maybe not for you.

Getting to Know Each Other

Went to one of my usual networking breakfasts this morning expecting the normal crowd of 11 - 13 folks. What a surprise to find that 5 minutes after the scheduled start we were still a group of 3. However, one has to eat breakfast anyway, right. Seems a good friend asks that question to folks about Friday's. But anyway.

We ordered and spent about an hour just talking to each other. This made me think about how little we often know of other people in groups we belong to. Perhaps it is time to do as a leader in another group I visit with recommended. Take time to set up one on one meetings over coffee, brunch, lunch, a beer, whatever, and get to know your business associates a bit better.

It is amazing the information you can learn about them and from them. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you, or not if that is your preference. The important thing is to expand your environment.

Time to Listen

Reviewing feedback again today from the workshop held this past Monday. Reading the comments individually and the ratings was uplifting. Truly the folks received value for their time and money. This gives me a feeling of self worth, I helped one person feel more confident or learn one new idea/concept.

Then I put together all the written thoughts. Wow! There it was right in front of me, the clients were asking for more. More time to practice; more knowledge on the subject; more feedback from a peer group. This made me think. It is time to listen. The client is saying what they want so why not take a few days off the treadmill and put together a follow up seminar.

Thinking about it, wouldn't it be nice if we could put the comments of everyone we meet in a week onto a page and then see what the common treads were. No doubt it would be revealing and heaven forbid we might start providing the clients what they need, not what we sell.

Learning Moments

Never Stop Learning
One of the biggest fallacies in life is that we learn all we need to know between Junior Kindegarten and University. Nothing could be futher from the truth. Each day the world changes whether we like it or not. The challenge is to stay ahead or at best even with the changes.

This effort to keep up requires an ongoing learning outlook. Think back only say one month. What do you know now that you did not know this time one month ago? Whatever it is, it is part of your new knowledge base. Perhaps it is a shortcut to get to work. Perhaps it is a new way to make something or do something you enjoy. Regardless it is knowledge and it was learned.The key is to make as many moments of each and every day a "learning moment". Of course, this is greatly assisted by participating in learning programs.

Notice I did not say 'training programs'. The difference while subtle is significant.You are trained to do something by rote and repetition. Perhaps it is how to improve your golf swing. Your muscles and mind are trained to work in a specific way by repetition. It has been said that a new swing can only be created by practicing a minimum of 21 times for 21 days. Not sure if that is true because I never lasted the 21 days.

Learning on the other hand is the experiencing of something and creating from that experience your own understanding. In other words it is to internalize the data, synthesize the data and then be able to analyze and come to some conclusion.

Of course, the presenter would greatly appreciate if you could take the experience and come to his / her conclusion but that is not always the case. Nor should it be. Each of us is a unique combination of the training we have had and the learning we have undertaken. Therefore, the result of the internalizing; synthesizing and analysis will often lead each of us to a different conclusion, all be it, many will be almost indistinguishable from the other.

The intent of this item is to make the very reading of it a learning moment.What was your most significant learning moment? Why would you say that?

The Book

Mentioned in my last comment about finishing my book. Well, then does it not make sense for me to tell you where to get it or at least find a preview. Below is that link:

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/there-has-to-be-a-better-way---the-right-systems-for-success/5381867

What's Next

A lot of us have something we are striving toward finishing. It may be building a deck on in our back yard or perhaps adding a sun porch to the cottage. It could be gaining a certificate, a diploma or a degree from an academic institution.

In my case it was to write a book that documented for others some of the learnings from over 40 years in the business world. Most of that time, almost 39 years was spent in a corporate environment. The last five, and probably the most exciting and yet frustrating have been as an entrepreneur.

Well, the book is done and in print and available for purchase. So, there should be great joy and elation, right? Yes and No. True I am happy it is in print but also have a certain feeling of emptyness. What's next? Now what do I use to occupy that creative side?

Who knows, maybe that very question is the seed for another book.

In any event, received the first payment for a copy of the book this very morning and now need to decide to deposit it or frame it.

In the meantime, started a blog today to see if that is the next outlet.