As the fall of each year arrives, the
new school year brings about much hub-bub. School shopping, last minute
vacations, children getting back into the habit of going to bed early, parents
rejoicing over children going to bed early, college students in transition and
teachers making classrooms ready, are all part of the final frenzy before
that first day. Do you remember those days? You may not have the
“back to school” syndrome, but you should never stop
learning.
Success is something that is ever
changing. What you know now to be successful, will not necessarily
be what you need to know to stay successful. Unless that is, you plan to
stay in the position you‘re currently in for the rest of your life.
Even in that case, you will most likely be required to learn something new just
to maintain the status quo.
Over my many (and I won’t say how many)
years of employment I have learned all sorts of things. From how to
properly scoop ice cream, to reading “specs” enabling me set up drill presses,
to weighing garbage trucks, to operating a computer and its’ many programs, to
being an executive assistant. Most recently, I have learned how to design
& build websites. In each position, I have strived to be the best;
the only way to do that was to keep learning.
In some instances, only professional
training will do. In many instances, informal learning is just as
beneficial. To learn Microsoft applications, I took formal classes.
To learn about web site design, I sat in the comfort of my own home and viewed
webinars. To be an executive assistant at LDI, I pulled from everything I
already knew and learned as much as I could about LDI. I am still
learning!
Learning is not something you can always
attribute to any one particular class or experience. Some of it comes
from the necessity of everyday life. Ever been to a strange place and
need to find your way around? In the 21st century, some folks
use GPS(Global Positioning System). Before you could use it, you had to
learn how to operate it. Before GPS, we used maps. Somewhere you
had to learn how to read and use one. Every time you upgrade a cell
phone, a computer, a car…you have to learn to use it.
Sometimes, it is a matter of
re-learning. The way you used to do something may not be the best way to
do it. So, you re-learn the better way. This is especially true as
your success grows. As you come into contact with new people, new ideas,
new situations, and new responsibilities – you need to learn to deal with each
of these with an “I want to know more.” attitude.
Train your mind to learn from everything
around you. Ask questions. (See rule #23) Whether it is in a
classroom, a seminar, an on-line course or just observing people and things
around you, you should never stop learning!
Learn something new today. Be
Extraordinary!
Cindy Lee
Executive Assistant
Leader Development Institute
