Learning isn’t just about what we take in from books, podcasts, or documentaries. These methods are intentional—you choose to read the book, listen to the podcast, or watch the documentary because you’re interested in the subject and want to know more. However, there are other, more ambiguous sources of knowledge. It all depends on your perception and openness.
Consider the advice your parents give you about parenting, whether you’re new at it or have been doing it for 15 years. Or the unsolicited advice from someone who was in your position not long ago. Or feedback from clients and friends. These are all learning opportunities. Are you willing to be taught during those times? Are you taking what was said with a grain of salt, or are you truly learning from it? There are countless learning opportunities each day—do you see or hear them?
Epictetus said, “We can’t learn that which we think we already know.” Be open to what others are saying. Instead of dismissing a comment because you think you already know, acknowledge it. Change your perspective, have an open mind, and dissect it to find the interesting part. Thank the person for sharing.
It’s not about what you know but about what you are willing to learn. The greatest people in the world never stop learning. They immerse themselves in information, even things they might already know, because they might have missed something the first time. They continually work on their craft, even though they’re the best at it. They constantly revisit the fundamentals.
Kobe Bryant practiced the fundamentals of basketball intensely, even when he was in the NBA. He would practice them for hours before and after games. Warren Buffett said, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” He believes continuous learning is the key to success. Jeff Bezos wrote in his 2018 Letter to Shareholders, “Success can come through iteration: invent, launch, reinvent, relaunch, start over, rinse, repeat, again and again.” Keep learning based on what you previously knew. What you think you know might not be true later, so it’s important to revisit what you think you know and have an open mind if something contradicts what you thought you knew.
You reach your best self when you are open to learning and allow yourself to be taught by others. Open your mind, and the possibilities are endless.
Take care.