Do you Recommit Yourself to Learning Every Year?
My favorite time of year is rapidly approaching and the nostalgic indicators of the Fall season are beginning to reveal themselves more every day. The cornstalks are starting to dry indicating that the harvest is approaching, pre-season football games are almost underway, and teachers and students are preparing for classes to begin. The energy and concentration our students have been expending on sports, summer jobs, travel, and exploration will soon be re-focused on academic studies and organized extracurricular activities.
Just as Spring is a time of biological renewal, Fall and the beginning of a new school year is a time of personal and intellectual renewal. Thinking about one’s new classes and the knowledge that will be explored provides a feeling of optimism that the time and effort we invest in learning will lead to a brighter, more secure future. Most people I talk to, even those who are still in school, agree that this is a positive and motivational feeling.
- Do you still benefit from having this feeling?
- If not, why not?
- Do you believe you’ve outgrown the opportunity to experience its positive power?
If you are reading this article, it’s not too late for you to experience the joy and satisfaction of intellectual renewal. You have been blessed with today, and chances are that you will be blessed with another day tomorrow and several more days after that. As long as you have another minute to live, you have another minute during which you can learn, grow, and help others. The only relevant question is whether you will choose to recommit to learning.
I have a friendly challenge to each of you as we get ready to kick off this year’s school season:
**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.
- Nine months will go by quickly, so prioritize your learning goals considering all of your other time commitments.
- The keys to success are passion, commitment, focus, and receiving instruction from people who are good teachers.
- If you have sufficient ability and tenacity, you can also learn individually via books, videos, lectures, personal research, and networking with other people.
- As long as you plan your work and then truly work your plan, you can succeed.
Are you up for the challenge to recommit to learning?
Subscribe to Centennial, Inc.’s Leadership & Talent Blog by Email
