Did you take the challenge that I gave you in Part 1? If you didn’t, here it is again:
**Write down at least two significant things that you are committed to learn, re-learn, or earn advanced expertise in during the next nine months.**
Are you someone who continues to learn? If you are a learner, here are descriptions of true learners I see in businesses and organizations I encounter:
- Learners have a positive glow about them.
- Learners have a personality that exudes energy, inquisitiveness, and ability to think and innovate.
- Learners make eye contact and rapidly engage with other people.
- Learners are listeners because they are focused on learning rather than on talking.
- Learners add true value to every conversation and interaction,
- Most of all, a Learner has a genuine and frequent smile that lights up the room.
- Learners lead the world forward. Others are attracted to and inspired by them.
- Learners cope with paradox and they have the tenacity and resilience necessary to effectively handle the unexpected situations that occur in their lives.
- Learners treat every minute as a great opportunity to invest in their self-improvement, personal growth, and capacity to help others.
Unfortunately, some people choose to stop learning. They believe that since they are no longer in school they have learned everything they need to know. Their time is now consumed going to work every day, relaxing, and sitting idly in the bleachers watching and evaluating others’ lives and decisions. It makes me sad to encounter this type of person because I think about the immense amount of potential that is being wasted. It saddens me even more that the non-learner is also likely a role model for other people, usually children. Those children, unless they encounter a better role model, will be faced with a lifelong uphill battle.
The future belongs to the learners, so if you are already in this group, thank you and keep learning and mentoring others.
As healthy living adds years to your life, continual learning adds life to your years. Fill this year with new ideas and new expertise.
Inspire others to follow your lead – our entire community will benefit from your example.
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