Friday, September 11, 2015

Never Stop Learning

Today’s post, "Never Stop Learning", is written by my Executive Assistant, Cindy Lee.  Cindy has been with me for a almost 4 years.  She brought over 20 years of experience to LDI when she joined the team. She has also brought a “thirst” to know more and a desire to be a successful assistant to me.

Cindy also has her own passion, a passion for writing.  She has a gift for words, both written and spoken.  To that end, when she suggested writing some Rules for Success that she has used to guide her path to success, I said “Go for it”.

As always, your feedback and comments are appreciated. Tell me how something you learned has impacted your success.  E-mail me at solutions@LdiWorld.com or click here for an online comment form.

You’re awesome!  Be extraordinary!

Anthony Tormey
Founder & CEO
Leader Development Institute

NEVER STOP LEARNING

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 striven 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


Monday, August 17, 2015

Have you thought about your success lately?

Have you thought about your success lately?  Have you reviewed your life, scratched your head and said “Hmmmm”?  Has your definition of success changed since you were a teenager planning your future?  Maybe it’s time to look at what success really, is or can be for you.

No matter where you are in your life, just starting out, getting ready to retire, or somewhere in between, you can still dream.  And, dream you should.

Every individual has the power to become successful by their own definition.  What is your definition of success?

Don't forget to visit us online at www.LdiWorld.com to find out how to get "Your Personal Handbook for Success".

SUCCESS, IT'S EVERYTHING YOU THINK IT IS

Success in life depends on 2 things . . . What you THINK you can do and the amount of EFFORT you're willing to put forth to accomplish it. Everything you do is created twice; the first is in your thoughts. Before it can be created it MUST be dreamed. They are YOUR dreams so you might as well DREAM BIG. There is a book/movie out there titled "The Secret", you may have heard of it, or even watched it. I liked it. It's one of those inspirational, feel good, self-help pieces of work. The "Secret", according to the writer, and the "gurus" who are featured is, "The Law of Attraction". This I also believe. We do attract what we think about. But here is the REAL secret - you have to get off your butt and do something about it.

 Success is like a garden. You can plant the seed, but if that's all you do and don't water and feed the seed or nurture and protect the plants, you will end up with a garden over run with weeds, insects, varmints and other things you don't need - or want. On the other hand, if you till the soil, prepare the earth, add some fertilizer, water it, discard any unwanted weeds and maintain the garden, it will blossom into beautiful flowers, vegetables, etc. The same holds true for our thoughts and dreams, you have to plant the seed (your dream, thoughts, etc). But then here comes the LDI "Secret". Get back out there and do something about it. Get your hands dirty, feed the dream with action. Find the weeds that are choking you, the bad habits, old baggage, haters and others who are happy to see you fail, and pull them out, eradicate them and set boundaries to keep them from taking over your thoughts and dreams. Don't let them over run your garden or ruin your dreams. Next, leverage your dreams and look for opportunities to improve your success, something like adding fertilizer to help it grow. Find a coach or mentor, join a mastermind group, build a dream board, read, and associate with others who share your dreams. Finally get out there. Get dirty, take calculated risk, don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from the experience(s). Believe in yourself. If you don’t, why the heck would anyone else.

Be Extraordinary!






Anthony Tormey
Founder & President
Leader Development Institute