Learning From The Masters

Some years ago I realised that the Masters all had one thing in common; they were learners. They didn't get to mastery level overnight, but through constant learning and practice, they became experts of their craft. Many people stopped learning years ago and simply now, go about their days and work relying on this prior knowledge whereas others are constantly engaged in the learning process. They're expanding their minds, their intuition and skills on a continual basis, causing them to progress faster and higher and making them objects of interest—those to be admired and followed. Here are some thoughts that I have found useful in my own learning journey.

1. What to learn

Many studies have indicated that successful people build on their strengths and employ or outsource their weaknesses. Skills development around our natural talents and strengths is essential for mastery in any area. It is vital to look at where we want to be, where we are now, which then highlights the learning gap clarifying the what in our development journey.

2. How to learn

There is no right or wrong way to learn, but I think there is a best way for each of us. For some, it is the informal just in time learning. You might face an issue in your work but are unsure how to approach it. Locating the relevant resources, immersing yourself in them and then practising your learning insights is a great way of making your knowledge stick. Others prefer formal education and this is particularly useful both from the perspective of connecting the dots around your prior learning and providing a broader framework to operate from within; also from the standpoint of gaining qualifications to provide future options. Formal education for some, can be useful where the discipline to self-learn is lacking.

3. Learning Integration

Knowing the theory is one thing; having the ability to integrate this into your daily life and career is quite another. Having an education plan along with an accountability partner helps fast-track this integration and then it's a case of practice, practice, practice with the cyclical learning process being: Learn, Practice, Succeed/Fail, Rinse and repeat. While not everyone hits elite mastery levels, all of us can become proficient in certain areas and enjoy the rich personal sense of accomplishment that comes with the learning process.