Imagine you took a class next semester and could choose between two professors.
Professor #1 reads the latest in her field, attends conferences, seeks innovative ways to make the content engaging, and loves to chat with other instructors to gain new ideas. She believes leaders are readers and if you ask her a question, she’ll often walk across her office and pull just the right resource off the bookshelf for you.
Professor #2 teaches the same content she’s taught for the last 20 years and in exactly the same manner. She doesn’t feel the need to read the latest research or try new methods of delivery because since she still has a job, it must be good enough. Her motto: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Which professor would you choose?
“Love of learning” appears as one of my top strengths in every assessment I’ve ever taken, so this lesson has not been a difficult one for me – but one of the most significant. If you want to stay at the top of your game, be viewed as a thought leader, grow your business, or simply become the best possible version of yourself, make a commitment to your growth.
You can learn and develop in so many ways! Some of my favorites:
Read. This photo depicts a small portion of my office bookshelves. Books, magazines, professional journals, blogs… great material exists in every form possible!
Listen. I’ve become addicted to podcasts over the past few years. I subscribe to several personal and professional development ones and also often search my favorite authors and leaders to hear their latest interviews. Audiobooks and meditation apps can prove very powerful, too.
Watch. Laundry time at my house transformed when I discovered TED Talks. I load them on my iPad and in about the time it takes to fold a load or two, I’ve listened to a world-class expert share his or her best, life-changing tips!
Attend. Conferences, classes, networking events, coffees, meetings with legislators… show up and grow in ways you never imagined.
Apply. One of the top premises of the ASPIRE Success Club is that we don’t just read awesome books – we directly apply their top lessons to our work, leadership, and lives. Commit to implementing at least one action or behavior into your life with every growth experience.
I frequently post my favorite books, TED Talks, podcasts, and other resources on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, so be sure to connect if you’d like specific recommendations. Commit to learning something new every single day and watch your work and life change accordingly!
What’s one of your favorite ways to grow as a person and/or professional?
As I celebrate 14 years in business this month, I’m sharing 14 lessons – one per post – that I’ve learned (many the hard way) over the years. I hope they help you work with meaning and live with purpose!