Remember when you walked across the stage and earned your degree from a prestigious university? You finally closed that chapter of your life that included countless hours of studying lecture notes and pouring over books. Learning? That’s over! It was time to get a great job and start earning a salary that would provide you with all of the finer things in life. Allow me to issue a warning if you have not learned it by now. If I have just described your attitude, be prepared for great disappointment. Those who are truly set on professional success realize sooner rather than later that learning and expanding your mind can never end.
In my coaching, I regularly express the need for our brain to be challenged constantly. By introducing our mind to new concepts and working to improve on any variety of skills, we are putting ourselves on the path to higher brain function, greater ability for problem solving, and general self-improvement.
This doesn’t mean that you need to break out your old textbooks, grab a yellow highlighter, and relive those days of struggling through biochemistry. You can exercise the neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, that exists in all of us through a variety of outlets. Decide to read a novel of a different genre than the ones you normally take on the train while commuting to work. Pick up some language tapes (or CDs, to be more technologically accurate) at your local bookstore and learn some new communication skills. Talk to a few people you respect and find out the authors or publications that interest them. Pursue a new hobby which requires regular practice and the development of a skill set.
How does this advice relate to advancement in your chosen career or as I refer to it, career acceleration? By constantly working your brain and accepting new mental challenges, you are placing yourself in a better mindset to handle whatever an employer may ask of you. You will be excited by the idea of branching out in your career, not intimidated by the idea of learning something new.
Why not get my book and start the learning process now?
Act As If It Were Impossible To Fail: The Employee Handbook That Your Employer Hasn’t Given You
Have questions? I would love to discuss this concept and many others with you in more detail. Please contact me and let’s discuss a plan that is geared specifically towards your professional success!
Best wishes and always Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail!
Joe:
I often ask candidates during an interview to tell me what books I would find on their coffee table if I visited their home. The answer to this ONE question tells me a lot! If they tell me they don’t read (or listen to e-books) that raises a flag for me (big-time). I encourage life-long learning – ALWAYS! Great feedback Joe!