Continuous Learning

Personal Growth and Development Article:

How to Recession – Proof

Your Career or Business…

With Continuous Learning!

by JC Dawkins

Are you ready to invest in yourself to gain an advantage over your competition? What investment are you willing to make to give yourself an edge?

Today’s workplace is being affected by significant changes (like diminishing job security, rapid advancements in technology, and growing skill obsolescence). In this environment, you may need to position yourself for long-term employability and continuing business success by becoming a lifelong learner.

Professional personal development and continuous learning can give you an edge in your career and business. Additionally, business leadership training and a professional development plan can help you “soar like an eagle!”

The bottom line is that success in your business or career is your responsibility, and becoming a lifelong learner can recession-proof your career or business.

“You have virtually unlimited ability to learn and develop new skills, habits and abilities.” ~ Brian Tracy

Often just knowing one additional skill can make a tremendous impact in your ability to do the job well or to lead others effectively. It can also make a difference in your income and marketability.

According to some statistics, the average CEO in America reads 4 to 5 books per month, while the average American only reads one book per year. There is also a vast disparity in the incomes of each group.

How many books did you read last year?

As Pat Riley, the basketball coach, said, “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.”

According to Brian Tracy in Eat That Frog, “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field…Learn what you need to learn so that you can do your work in an excellent fashion…Continually upgrade your skills in your key result areas. Remember, however good you are today, your knowledge and skill is becoming obsolete at a rapid rate.”

According to Tracy, there are 3 steps for becoming an expert in your field and ensuring your future success:

1. Read material in your field for a minimum of one hour every day.
2. Take every seminar and course available on key skills that you need.
3. Listen to personal growth and development audios in your car.

The bare facts (per Brian Tracy):

–On average, an individual will increase their salary by only 2 to 3% annually.
–Each year inflation increases by approximately 2 to 3% annually.
–So, without lifelong learning, it is almost impossible for the average person to get ahead.
–Top achievers, people who engage in continuous learning and growing, double their income every 3 to 5 years.
–This is why the top 10-20% earn more than the bottom 80%!

Are you a lifelong learner?

“To perform at your best…you must develop a routine of coaching yourself and encouraging yourself to play at the top of your game.” Brian Tracy, Eat That Frog.

Here are key ways to coach yourself for top performance:

1. Control your inner dialog – talk to yourself positively all the time.

2. Develop a positive mental attitude – have a quality of optimism:

a. Look for the good in every challenge.
b. Seek the valuable lesson in every situation.
c. Ask what is the solution, rather than seeking blame or excuses.

3. Think and talk about your goals and the things you want, rather than what you do not want.

You can utilize continuous learning to keep yourself motivated by reading inspiring books and listening to motivational speakers.

Why Learn Now? Considering all the energy and time you spend on your career or business, why not ensure that you reach your maximum potential?

Again, are you ready to invest energy and time in yourself to gain an advantage over your competition and secure the growth in your career and business?

JC Dawkins
I invite you to join our Online Mastermind Team as we support each other by using professional personal development material to become the best we can be in our professions, businesses, and personal lives in 2010.