Learning

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

“The dictionary defines leading as “showing the way to” and teaching as “showing how to.” Therefore, leading is teaching, and teachers show learners how to learn. To acquire greater mastery this learning must come from Masters. Mastery is never perfect, just as there is no perfect knowledge or wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are always incomplete. Therefore, continuous learning— that is, life-long learning and our personal lives. Are you a perpetual learner striving for greater mastery?

                                                                     ~Spirit@Work

 Spirit@Work is an iPhone app that offers 77 words to inspire their leadership and living. Currently free, downloaded and, when you do, open the app and then shape your phone. It will deliver a word of the day for you to focus on. My word today is, “Learning.”

Many times, most of my days are spent fixed.

I spend it supporting others and helping them with their challenges.

Then, I remember that when I am in perpetual doer mode, I feel stale, a condition that I don’t like.

It is easy for me to be distracted by the topic of the day they media throws up in front of me, most of which has nothing to do with my life or my happiness or my success.

These days, most of news is really click paid masquerading as news.

I try to limit my intake of this noise but sometimes forget.

I find immeasurable pleasure and happiness reading a few pages of a book or attending a class where questions are asked that touched me deeply, that provoke thinking that leads to learning, the challenges may to be a better person and, as a result, a better coach.

I do it for myself but it takes me better for you, my wife, my son, and so many more.

Remembering this is important.

For example, 20 years ago I decided to go for an MSW at Fordham University. At that time, I did search work which required enormous hours. I now have to take on a lot of reading and writing as part of the program. Soon, I took on an internship (a euphemism at that time for I paid for the privilege of working somewhere) on top of my career and my reading.

I met my wife in graduate school. What a great return!  

Just as important, I start to think in different ways that made me more mentally flexible.

And then some years later, I returned for coach training which did even more.

I periodically take classes and meet with others to develop relationships that help me learn more.

Recently, I discovered the Clubhouse app and learned a ton from people who are freely giving their knowledge. In many of these places, I am no longer the expert and I like that feeling.

Learning makes a difference for me.

How about you?

Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2021