Always Be Learning

“I am a part of everything that I have read.” -Theodore Roosevelt

Author: Wes Woodhouse

3 March 2019

I Finished School, Why Must I Continue to Learn?

How are some people exceptionally successful but I can’t seem to break through? What do they have that I don’t?

I am stuck in a rut. What am I doing wrong?

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” -Jim Rohn

Today there is a massive emphasis on finishing high school with the goal of attending university and obtaining a college degree. Most students are told there are few options outside of this.

Jim Rohn acknowledges the fact that a college degree will most likely succeed in landing you a decent job, capable of providing a comfortable lifestyle. But that is all. Generally speaking, without continual self-education, the limit has been reached.

There are countless CEOs of major tech companies who had not completed college when they started their company.

The number of small business owners who have little to no formal education is staggering.

What will set you apart from your peers? To begin, a lifestyle of learning.

Successful People Throughout History Prioritize Their Education

The examples are boundless of the number of successful people who prioritize consistent learning. According to the Washington Post, Theodore Roosevelt read “a book a day” in addition to newspapers and magazines¹. Inc.com says Bill Gates reads 50 books every year².

Sun Tzu believed that “if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” His premise is that there are two pools of knowledge required for success; first knowing the competition, and second knowing yourself and your team.

In an age before the internet, Henry Ford created a system for gathering information regarding is his competitors. At the push of a button he could mobilize employees to retrieve specific information.

Napoleon wrote hundreds of letters a day with the purpose of summoning knowledge about both his empire and his enemies. He managed this by amassing a team of transcribers.

These leaders went to great lengths to obtain information and knowledge at great expense. There is always an exchange for the acquisition of knowledge. If not financial, it costs time. Those who willingly and readily exchange their time and money for education will most certainly reap the benefits.

An Investment in Your Knowledge Will Reap Rewards

Ben Franklin says “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Dan Miller of 48 Days says you should budget 5% of your income to personal education³. According to Mark Twain, “A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.”

When I began prioritizing my self-education, it took months, years even, until I began to understand the potential power that followed. The more I learn, the more my past learning begins to sink in.

At first ideas found in a book or article may not make sense. But as you grow and your base of knowledge and opinion expands, you will begin to make connections. Concepts that were once abstract and counterintuitive will become clear.

Content that once did not seem relevant, suddenly applies and aids in further understanding of present problems and ideas.

But Where to Begin?

There is no limit to the knowledge one can learn today, and no excuse for remaining ignorant. Libraries are full of wisdom and information spanning centuries. Newspaper, paper or web, give the opinions of present leaders. Informational blogs abound. Podcasts are an on-demand onslaught of specialized information and tactics. So far, none of these options require money.

Premium courses teach specific knowledge. Seminars, webinars, conferences, online degrees or certifications are all readily available.

But what do I learn?

Begin with what you are already interested in.

For the past 2 years I have set a goal to consistently educate myself. Although I have listened to podcasts for some time now, I formalized the process. I now listen to podcasts for no less than half of my commute (using the other half as either silence to encourage thought, or prayer). I periodically reevaluate what I am listening to, ensuring that none of my time is spent listening to a podcast “because I always have”. I want every minute to be beneficial to educating myself in areas that matter.

I also formalized my book reading plan. In 2018 I set a goal to read 18 books over the course of the year. To make the goal more achievable, I created a list of all of the books I would read throughout the year. The list was composed of books that were on my “to-read” list, and those recommended by influencers in my life.

My 2018 reading plan was so successful that in 2019 I continued the process, this time with the goal of 32 books.

It matters less what you are learning. What really matters is creating lifestyle of learning. The biggest opportunity of your life could arrive tomorrow, but if you are not prepared to act on it, it will float on by.

Do you even Learn?

Your education should not be limited to an institution, and should not end at graduation. You must make a habit of preparing yourself for opportunities down the road. Create a lifestyle that includes consistent improvement in all areas of your life.

Go grab a book and read. Watch a Ted Talk. Take a course.

Always be learning.

References