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Our youngest son had a sign posted near his weights and workout equipment that said “when you aren’t working out, your competitors are”. If you would have seen the way he worked out there would be no question that he internalized that phrase. I say to you “when you are not learning your competitors are”. Many people think their learning days are over when they graduate from high school or college. I think the most important things I have learned in life are when I was not in a formalized school setting. Yes I learned things in high school and college but I just can’t remember what that was. Yes I studied, or was that crammed, to pass my college exams so I could get that sheepskin. I know there was more than one “all-nighter” that came with the requisite blue box of No Doze. I’m sure anything stronger would have gotten me tossed out of college and negated the hoped for effect of the No Doze. I have to admit that the thirst for knowledge was not quenched by me in my “educational days”. I was a little more interested in looking at the college cheerleaders as I ran laps around the track. This was not a bad thing since I was able to chase down one of the girls with the pretty legs and convince her to change her name to Mrs. Gibson. I have to admit it was a good thing I was in shape because she was not easy to catch. But I digress……... Somewhere along the way I became interested in history and politics and business and languages. I even have begun to enjoy art and ceramics. The beautifully blown works of Italian glass, the intricately woven Oriental rug, the hand produced Spanish swords and the gorgeous South American alpaca tapestry teach me of the talents of people from across many time zones. The Tongan tapa cloth that hangs majestically from the wall of my office reminds me daily of another people who are masters of the earth. When I think I am important and know a few things, I just have to look at the exquisite talents of others to realize all that I do not know and how far I have to go. I then am energized to continue learning on many different levels. I listen to the “know-it-alls” and realize they really know very little. I don’t want to ever be a “know-it-all” but I would like to know a lot more than I do. To continue my quest for knowledge I have to read and listen. I admit that I am not smart enough to figure most things out for myself. But I do agree with the axiom “you don’t have to reinvent the wheel”. Most of the things you or I should learn are already known by others. Let them teach us. They do this by writing books, producing computer software, giving speeches, teaching classes. We all need one or more mentors. Now it isn’t even necessary that our mentor(s) be aware we are their students. There are however, times when you are fortunate to have a personal mentor who holds your hand and walks you through the lessons of life. I certainly think that you have the opportunity to mentor those in your wake. One of the true measures of a person is what they give to others. If all we did was take, life would indeed be hollow. I recently read an interview given by a successful college football coach. In the interview the coach said that sometimes he had to read three books in order to get one idea that would be helpful in his line of work. That one idea however would be worth every minute spent finding it. Amos Bronson Alcott said: “To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant”. Me thinks this does not need an explanation. In furtherance of my thoughts on self education Winston Churchill said: “The glory of human nature lies in our seeming capacity to exercise control of our own destiny.” Your destiny, while influenced by others, can only be determined by YOU. Can you tell me the name of the last book you read? How about the name of the author? It isn’t enough to just read but it is critical to our success as to the nature of what you read. I am the first to admit that I read some books that are a complete waste of time, albeit probably no worse than much of the TV I watch. I do however make sure I also read great books that teach me the important things I need to know. What do you fill your mind with? Regardless of your religious or philosophical beliefs you cannot dismiss the phrase “as a man thinketh, so is he (or she). Learning is not a sprint, where after running full throttle, you cross the finish line and the race is over. It is more like an ultra marathon, which takes you through many climates and terrains. You see the landscape of life through many prisms. Just remember that a road without obstacles probably doesn’t lead anywhere. I love the mountains and alpine lakes but this does not preclude me from enjoying the sand and beautiful beaches, or the valleys and canyons. Learning can bring into our lives a beautiful panoramic view of the great things our world has to offer. Our businesses allow us the opportunity to enjoy these things. So my tip for the day is to read a book or two or three. Just so you know – Doug, our warehouse manager, just brought me 3 books UPS delivered this morning. I want to send out a short apology to those who had trouble accessing the webinar last week. We had some techno problems which did not please me. The problem was beyond my control but I take full responsibility and hope none of you were terribly inconvenienced. For those who are interested in the subject matter of the webinar I have set up a website for you to check it out. The site is www.sunburstcards.com. Go to the link and send out one or two free greeting cards on me. This is a great system that already is paying dividends. Look for the “End of Summer” sale which will be included in the next newsletter. Until the next Message In A Bottle ...….. here’s to your success Dennis Gibson |
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