Become a lifelong learner. Expose yourself to new ideas. Take classes regularly. Resolve to remain teachable throughout your life. –Dr. Christiane Northrup
Curiousity is irresistible. Curious people are fresh and eager to learn, regardless of their age. We live in the most rapid era of change in the history of mankind. What was new and exciting last year is old hat this year. Just when you figure out the software on your computer, the new version comes out. The rate of change is relentless. If you aren’t continually growing and developing yourself, you’ll very quickly become out of date — a dinosaur. My own colleague chastised me because I didn’t have a Facebook business page. She said, “Not using social media today is like saying you don’t need a phone to run your business a generation ago.” In fact, now social media is replacing the phone, as people communicate their complaints and requests through email, Facebook and Twitter more often than they pick up the phone to call.
How to stay fresh and attractive? You’ve got to stay current and on top of the newest developments. Keep taking classes and courses so your brain doesn’t stagnate. Just like our bodies, if we don’t use it, we lose it. Make sure you have some young friends who will keep you up-to-date on the latest gadget or new technology, or the coolest websites.
One of my friends realized her computer skills were out-of-date, having taken time out to have a few children. Everything she once knew was now obsolete. She enrolled in a free computer class and now, a year later, she is teaching computer classes at the local elementary school! Don’t be afraid of your ignorance, just enroll in a few classes and you’ll soon be up to speed. If you are already up-to-date, congratulations! No small task in this day and age. Ask your employer what courses are on offer and see how you can further develop your skills and abilities. Alternatively, take an adult education class in your area or online in a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about. You are your best asset and the most worthwhile investment of all!
Homework:
1. Write down all the areas where you feel you might be out-of-date or if you are content with your current level of knowledge, skill and competency, write down classes that would be mentally challenging and interesting.
2. Look for classes in your local area or online that you could take.
3. Sign up for a class in the area that would make the biggest difference in your life.
10 Minute Option:
Make a list of areas you might be out-of- date and jot down a few ideas of possible classes you might take.
