Good Morning & Happy Friday!
Being in the prime years of parenthood I’m often reminded that, as kids, we’re naturally curious about the world and everything around us. It’s all new and exciting, we’re intrigued, and without thinking or hesitation we allow this natural curiosity lead the way to a better understanding and personal growth. This is nothing more than raw, organic, un-jaded, sheer human instinct at its finest. It can also be a relentless pursuit at times!
But on the flip side as adults, we’ve slowly morphed into these pre-conditioned beings or creatures of habit with little deviation from the daily norm. We’re now set in our ways, lose risk tolerance, and tend to be more resistant to new ideas or change as we become complacent with what we know or seems to work. We lose that kid-like spark and curiosity, which oftentimes, is that same energy providing us with the much needed “magic” to help us evolve as people in both our personal and professional lives.
Don’t get me wrong, becoming highly focused, disciplined, and systematic in nature certainly has a direct tangible benefit as it allows us to fully optimize our skills and abilities within particular areas of our lives. As a matter of fact, it is this exact intense focus, discipline, and drive that helps us “perfect our craft” while achieving a thorough understanding of the root fundamentals to any given “thing” or circumstance.
But at some point, without risk, or possessing the courage to keep learning, we truly limit ourselves and hinder our potential growth by failing to push past the status quo of life and business. A favorite quote of mine comes from American social philosopher Eric Hoffer: “In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”
How appropriate of a quote, especially given the nature of this past year, but it’s also a great reminder that we cannot control every situation or outcome. There will always be factors or external circumstances well-beyond our control that will directly affect us and whether we like it or not, things are always changing. This is why it’s called the journey of life….. life happens while we’re planning for everything else.
We must learn to adapt, pivot, and embrace change as an opportunity to learn and grow. Let’s step outside of our comfort zones and push past the numbness of complacency or fear, both of which keep us cemented at idle speed. Life is way too short and precious to squander it away just going through the motions, uninterested for the most part, and always choosing the path of least resistance. I vow to focus my energy on positivity, kindness, growth, and the willingness to always try, whatever the challenge may be.
The “courage to keep learning” is about making the most of life, stopping and smelling the roses as often as we can, and finding that true joy and fulfillment in the little things. It’s getting out of our heads, stop overthinking, being more present in the moment, and pushing the boundaries of our comfort zones. It’s living with more faith, purpose, and conviction while allowing curiosity and passion to lead the way. Be inspired, and inspire others. Greatness doesn’t stem from comfort zones.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Be open minded, try something new, and let’s stop limiting ourselves. Find the courage to challenge yourself…. and truly live. Many people say that in the end, we only regret the things we didn’t do. I truly believe that. If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.
Regardless of our circumstances, success, status, achievements, or awards, our futures depend greatly on our abilities to adapt and to find the courage for us all to keep learning. And yes my 3 kids are a stark reminder of this everyday! 🙂
Cheers to you all and our continued journey of personal and professional growth my friends.
Have a great day everyone! 😎
Adam
