During the last week, I had the opportunity to chat with a number of people about what activities they choose to spend their time on during the day. One of these conversations really jumped out at me . . . maybe you can relate:
I love to learn. I really, really, really love to learn about all different types of things both for my business and for personal enjoyment. I like being the go-to-gal for resources. However, I find that I don’t necessarily implement much of what I learn. Should I take a more disciplined approach to my ongoing education?
Now, of course, I certainly wasn’t going to tell this person what she “should” or “should not” do. Each of us has the opportunity to make our own choices each and every day. However, I did ask her two questions.
- Are you concerned that by pursing a number of educational opportunities you are neglecting the tasks that you have identified as priority tasks?
- Are you feeling “guilty” that you don’t implement much of what you learn?
She answered NO to the first question. She felt that she spent a good amount of time each day working on her priorities. However, she did feel guilty and a bit wasteful that she didn’t necessarily implement much of what she learned. In fact, she went on to explain that she felt that by not implementing she was wasting a lot of time.
My advice was to determine what she wanted the outcome to be.
Why was she learning?
- If she was learning the information so she could share the resource with someone on her team – then she could probably spend much less time processing the information. Plus, she probably wouldn’t feel the need to implement the material.[su_spacer size=”40″]
- If she was learning a new skill to improve her business, then she would want to spend more time making sure she had the understanding needed to apply the skill. Then, she would want to make sure she had a plan in place to implement the material.[su_spacer size=”40″]
- If she was learning for her own personal enjoyment – she could take the pieces of information she wanted, and discard the rest – and decide to implement based on her desire.
By beginning with the end in mind, knowing WHY she wants to learn – what she expects the outcome to be – she can then devote the amount of time and attention the situation calls for. Plus, she can release the guilt.
Isn’t this what we all want?!
I’d love to know your thoughts. Do you implement what you learn? Please comment below!
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What I have found, over the years, is that there is very little wasted learning if the learning is self directed (as opposed to mandatory learning imposed by a school curriculum). I have found, so many times, that something I learned years ago will suddenly become important in a context of today that I never would have dreamed of. I know others who feel that way, too – some expressing a philosophy that “everything I’ve learned has led me to this morning”. No one should feel guilty if they don’t implement learning right away, I feel. The time will come when you will use it. It may be many years from now, or tomorrow.
I love the philosophy, Alana, that all learning will become applicable at some point! I’ll be sure to share this with my client! Hopefully it helps her guilt!
Lisa
I have a similar experience to that person. For years I was trying to obtain an imaginary PhD in Internet Marketing. I know so much theory without taking action that I was so completely overloaded with information.
Now, slowly I am implementing it, still a way off but I will get there.
So true you have to decide why are you learning, I am trying to learn about IM to start an online business, at the same time I am studying nutrition just for enjoyment.
Liliana
Thanks for the comment! I’m excited you are finding a purpose for your knowledge – and applying it! FABULOUS!
Continued Professional Education was part of my previous career and continues to be important to my present vocation. So learning is not a problem and does not cause guilt per se though I admit I have to be careful not to get caught in chasing shiny objects. :) I check myself by asking myself ‘How’ do I intend to use this course, program or certificate and will it add value to my knowledge? The point you have addressed is important, Lisa. I personally know of people who use learning as a crutch whenever things are going wrong in their life with no idea what they will do with the knowledge or whether they will ever use it.
I can totally agree with the “chasing shiny objects part” and feel another blog post coming! I agree . . . sometimes we let ourselves get “bogged down” in the gaining knowledge part so we don’t need to take action! Thanks for the comment, Vatsala.
Ah… I’m one of life’s continual learners. I love to read books, blogs, magazines, take courses, watch videos, anything that teaches me new things. Most of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I believe in embracing who you are. And if you are fulfilled through learning then go for it. But I do agree – it’s best to focus your efforts where they’re most useful. We only have so much time available! I tend to focus on one topic and master everything I can on that subject,. Then move onto the next.
Love your strategy, Sally. I think the most important thing is to have some sort of a plan in mind – whether it’s “I’m going to read everything I can get my hands on even if I never implement” or “I’m only going to learn things that I can use immediately in my businesses or daily life” or anything in between.