The Excitement of Learning
As a lifelong learner, I can look back over the years and remember specific times I spent learning something to help me in my life, both personally and professionally. Sometimes it was reading books, watching video training’s, participating in workshops, even trial and error.
No matter the form, I always seek to learn. It’s just something about me. In fact, if you are familiar with talent themes (Strengths Finder) or any assessment tool, learning is a top strength of mine. It comes naturally.
Looking back over my career, particularly when venturing into a new role or event the entrepreneurial space, learning something consistent for me. One thing I noticed right away was there is a lot of noise in the system about how I should run my business, how to connect with people, how to find new clients, etc. Honestly, it got VERY overwhelming!
Maybe you can relate? Technology (blogs, podcasts, videos, etc) are all over the internet. I found I was spending so much time learning how to do things that others said would help me that I was paralyzed from moving forward. I tried a lot of things and stopped after a few months, because it just wasn’t me.
One of my core values is authenticity. I want what I do to be authentic. I want to feel great doing it and confident in how I go about it. If something isn’t me, eventually I push it away. I need to be authentic with my relationships with people, how I run my business, how I engage and coach the individuals/groups I am blessed to be working alongside.
Knowing this about myself (I am a self-proclaimed personal development junkie), I changed how I did things. How and what I learned. I made them fit into the mold of who I am and how I want to conduct my life and business. I made what I learned authentic and that changed so much!
I stopped trying to be like every other coach/facilitator and started learning things that helped me grow in my own capabilities. Attending workshops where I would learn something but turn it into something relevant to me and my clients. I read books that I felt would grow my skills (check out my website and you will see a resource page with some of my favorites) and I started exploring certifications where I would learn things to benefit both myself and my clients.
Not just any certification. It had to be the perfect fit. In fact, I spent two years researching, talking with others in my industry, etc. to find the perfect fit. I finally found it. And today I signed up for my Human Capital Coaching Certification that begins next month! I am a bit in shock that I will be going back to school after so many years, but knowing that this will greatly enhance my practice, I am pretty excited! I am looking forward to taking what I learn, morphing it into something that works well for me and sharing with all my clients!
Learning, in whatever shape or form, can help you enhance your own skills, knowledge, and leadership.
My biggest takeaway over the last few years is that I don’t want to be like everyone else. I strive to always be a better version of who I am!
To Your Growth, Development and Amazing Potential,
Lisa
