Always Learning

Are you a life-long learner? Of course, we’d all like to answer yes, but is learning a passion, or a chore? Working with many small businesses over the years, it seems clear there is a correlation between constant learning, and success.

Believe me, I’ve met some people who actively avoid learning new things. When presented with a new challenge, their immediate reaction is to find someone else to figure it out. I’m like this sometimes, I bet we all are, but may not admit it. In my case, my particular kryptonite is do-it-yourself! Learning how to build a deck, how to handle some plumbing job and other maintenance isn’t something that fills me with joy. However, as much as it might be a ‘chore’ to learn, I always give it my all. Sometime the results are great, other times they are passable, but each opportunity is another chance to learn more.

Then there are those who might refer to as ‘professional students’ because they’re always learning—and loving the process of learning! For areas I’m passionate about such as cybersecurity or technology in general, this comes easily. I could quite easily lose 10 hours sat in front of a computer trying to figure out the smallest new thing (and have!). I love learning about things I love, but this comes easily to many.

Back to that linkage between learning and success, I’ll refine that idea to say that successful people seem to overcome the challenge of learning things outside their comfort zone. They’re the ones who learn enough to get them through a new task, or to pick up a new skill. Those that continue to find excuses not to learn get left behind.

I’m writing this on New Year’s Eve 2016. My challenge to you in 2017, is to embrace learning… not just for those things you find fun, but for the things you don’t. And yes, that means more DIY for me!