Tag Learning for Life

Learning to Lead Before You Are a Leader

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Most people (and by most I mean almost all people) buy into what John Maxwell calls the “Destination Myth.” They wait for someone to give them the title of leader before they even attempt to learn how to lead.

They believe real leadership begins the day someone hands them a promotion, a team, or the corner office. What they fail to realize is that while you can be given the title of leader, you must earn the opportunity to actually lead.

Leadership, authentic leadership, is something you choose long before anyone gives you permission.

The best leaders I know weren’t waiting for their moment, a promotion, or a title. They were quietly creating their opportunity to lead every single day in small, almost invisible ways. Here are the key ways high-potential people practice leadership before they ever carry the title—and how you can start doing the same today.

Own Outcomes, Not Just Tasks

The moment you start saying “That’s not my job” is the moment you stop leading.

Future leaders treat the whole mission as their responsibility, even when no one asked them to. They volunteer to close the loop, follow up on the loose ends, and make sure the customer/client/team isn’t disappointed—even when it’s technically someone else’s area.

Look around at your current role today:

• What problem keeps getting kicked around?

• What small thing, if fixed, would make everyone’s life easier?

Fix it. Own it. No announcement is required.

Lead Without the Meeting

You don’t need a conference room to influence direction.

The most powerful pre-title leadership happens in casual conversations.

• Suggesting a better way during a 1:1.

• Asking thoughtful questions in team huddles.

• Sharing an article/resource that moves the thinking forward.

• Giving credit to others publicly.

These micro-moments compound. People start associating your name with forward movement, clarity, and generosity.

Mentor Before You’re Asked

Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about making other people better.

Start coaching, teaching, and developing people now—even when you’re not the boss.

• Help the new person understand the unwritten rules.

• Offer to walk someone through a process you have mastered.

• Give constructive feedback in a way that builds confidence instead of crushing it.

The irony? The fastest way to grow your own leadership capacity is to help someone else grow theirs.

Model the Behavior You Wish You Saw

Want to know the fastest way to become the kind of leader that people want to follow?

Start acting like that leader today, even when no one is watching.

• Stay calm when things go sideways.

• Say “I was wrong; here’s what I learned” first.

• Celebrate other people’s wins louder than your own.

• Show up prepared and on time—every time.

People don’t remember what you said nearly as much as they remember how you made them feel. When you consistently make people feel capable, respected, and inspired, they’ll follow you anywhere—even before you have the title.

The Quiet Truth About Promotion

Long-term successful organizations don’t promote potential. They promote demonstrated leadership. The people who get the early opportunities are rarely the ones who waited the longest. They’re the ones who stopped waiting years ago and started leading in place.

So here’s your challenge this week:

Pick one leadership behavior from above and do it deliberately every day for the next 7 days.

No title required.

No permission needed.

Just make a choice to LeadToday.

Because the most dangerous place to be in your career isn’t being a leader without a title…

It’s being a titled leader who never learned to lead.

The future belongs to the people who are willing to lead before the world tells them they can.

Will you be one of them?

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The Power of an “Always Learning” Mindset: Embracing Growth in a Dynamic World – Part Two

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’m a lifelong learner, and I truly love it! There’s always something new to discover, and it’s amazing how learning can change my perspective and make me try things I might not have considered otherwise. This constant pursuit of knowledge keeps my blog fresh and exciting, and it allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and discuss a wide range of topics. There are just so many reasons to keep learning and growing!

In our ever-shifting world, adaptability and growth are super important. Embracing an “always learning” mindset is the way to go. It means being committed to personal and professional development. This approach leads to success, resilience, and even a sense of fulfillment.

In this two-part blog post, we’ll explore the power of an always-learning mindset. We’ll dive into its benefits, practical ways to use it, and actionable steps to make it a habit. Part one focused on why a learning mindset is crucial for success in today’s world. In part two, we’ll give you practical tips to develop and keep it alive.

Part 2: How to Cultivate an “Always Learning” Mindset

Embracing an always-learning mindset is a game-changer, but it’s not a one-time thing. It’s all about putting in the work, being consistent, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Here are five practical tips to help you build and keep this awesome mindset, along with some tricks to help you overcome any obstacles you might hit along the way.

1. Set Clear Learning Goals

Learning is all about setting clear intentions. Identify areas where you want to grow, whether it’s becoming a pro at a skill, exploring a hobby, or staying updated on global issues. Break these goals into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you want to learn coding, start with a beginner-friendly language like Python and commit to completing one module of an online course each week.

Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to structure your goals. Instead of saying, “I want to learn Spanish,” say, “I will learn 50 new Spanish vocabulary words and have a 5-minute conversation by the end of the month.” Clear goals give you direction and motivation, making learning feel purposeful and rewarding.

2. Explore a Variety of Learning Resources

The digital world is a treasure trove of learning opportunities, from online courses and podcasts to books and webinars. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable access to expert-led content, while X posts and blogs provide real-time insights into trending topics. Don’t just stick to formal education—informal sources like conversations with mentors or hands-on projects are just as valuable.

Experiment with different formats to find what works best for you. If you’re a visual learner, video tutorials might be your jam. If you’re an auditory learner, podcasts or audiobooks could be your thing. The key is to mix it up and gain a well-rounded perspective, so you can keep learning and growing.

3. Practice Reflective Learning

Reflection is like turning your experiences into treasure troves of knowledge. After you finish a project, attend a workshop, or even face a tough challenge, take a moment to ask yourself: What did I learn? How can I use this knowledge to make a difference? And what could I do differently next time? Journaling can be a very helpful tool for this—writing down your insights helps you remember them and keeps track of your progress over time.

Let’s say you’re leading a team project. You could reflect on what communication strategies worked and which didn’t. By writing down these observations, you can improve your leadership skills for future projects. Reflective learning ensures that every experience, good or bad, helps you grow and learn.

4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Growth often means stepping outside your comfort zone. An always-learning mindset thrives on curiosity and a willingness to tackle the unknown. Challenge yourself to explore unfamiliar subjects or skills, even if they seem intimidating. For example, if public speaking makes you nervous, join a Toastmasters club to build confidence. If you’ve never tried creative writing, sign up for a workshop to stretch your imagination.

Start small to build momentum. If learning a new language feels overwhelming, begin with basic phrases or a language-learning app like Duolingo. Over time, these small steps add up, expanding your skills and strengthening your commitment to growth. Just remember, all progress, even baby steps, is progress. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not learning as fast as you’d like.

5. Build a Learning Team

Surround yourself with inspiring and challenging people who can help you learn. Connect with colleagues, join professional networks, or join online communities related to your interests. Platforms like X can help you connect with thought leaders and peers who share insights and spark new ideas. For instance, following industry experts or joining discussions on trending topics can expose you to fresh perspectives.

Collaborative learning also boosts motivation. Study groups, book clubs, or mentorship relationships create accountability and make learning a shared journey. By exchanging knowledge and feedback, you not only deepen your understanding but also build meaningful connections.

Overcoming Barriers

Here are some common challenges that can hinder an always-learning mindset:

* Time Constraints: Make learning a priority by scheduling it into your daily routine. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

* Fear of Failure: Instead of seeing mistakes as setbacks, think of them as learning opportunities. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to build confidence and keep going.

* Lack of Motivation: Link learning to your values or long-term goals. Remind yourself how acquiring new skills or insights can improve your career, relationships, or personal growth.

Sustaining the Mindset

Staying curious and learning new things is, or should be, a lifelong journey. Keep checking in with your goals, asking for feedback, and celebrating your progress. Sometimes, take a step back and think about how your learning has changed your life. Did you get a promotion? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you learn something new about the world? These little wins show that your efforts are worth it and make you even more excited to learn more.

Conclusion

An always-learning mindset is a superpower that helps us navigate the sometimes crazy world we live in. It makes us adaptable, strong, happy, and connected. It lets us thrive in a world that’s always changing. Here’s how you can get it: set clear goals, use all the resources you have, think about what you’ve learned, step outside your comfort zone, and join a learning community. Anyone can do this and keep it up.

Learning never stops, and it’s always worth it. As the famous philosopher John Dewey said, “Education is not just about getting ready for life; it’s about living life.” So, embrace the always-learning mindset and let your curiosity take you to a future of endless possibilities.

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The Power of an “Always Learning” Mindset: Embracing Growth in a Dynamic World

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I am an endless learner. I like to learn, and lucky for me, there is always more to learn. Learning sometimes changes my thinking and causes me to try things I otherwise likely wouldn’t. Consistent learning allows me the opportunity to keep this blog “fresh.” It enables me to converse with a variety of different people on a wide variety of topics. There are simply tons of reasons to always be learning.

But these days, in our ever-changing world, the ability to adapt and grow is more critical than ever. An “always learning” mindset is key. It means committing to ongoing personal and professional growth. This approach builds success, resilience, and fulfillment.

This two-part blog post unpacks the importance of cultivating an always-learning mindset, digging into its benefits, practical applications, and strategies for implementation. Part one discusses why a learning mindset is essential for success today, while part two will provide actionable steps to develop and sustain it.

Part 1: Why an “Always Learning” Mindset Matters

Have you ever thought about the power of an always-learning mindset? It’s all about believing that growth is never-ending. It’s about being curious, always seeking new knowledge, and staying open to change, no matter how old you are, how much experience you have, or what you know. In a world that’s constantly changing with new tech, shifting economies, and unpredictable challenges, this mindset is not just helpful—it’s essential. Here are four reasons why adopting an always-learning mindset is so important.

1. Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World

The world is changing at an incredible pace in the 21st century. Technologies like artificial intelligence and renewable energy are totally transforming industries, while global events like pandemics, climate shifts, and geopolitical changes demand flexibility and quick thinking. A 2023 World Economic Forum report says that 44% of workers’ core skills will change by 2028. Whole job categories will become obsolete, and new ones will emerge.

An always-learning mindset is key to navigating this uncertainty. By staying curious and proactive, learners can pick up new skills, understand emerging trends, and change gears when needed. For instance, a marketer who learns to use AI-driven analytics can stay ahead in a field that’s becoming increasingly dominated by data. If you don’t commit to learning, you risk becoming irrelevant in your job or missing out on all the social and technological changes happening around you.

2. Building Resilience and Thriving Growth

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, whether in personal life or professional endeavors. An always-learning mindset transforms obstacles into opportunities for growth. Instead of viewing failure as a dead end, lifelong learners see it as a chance to gain insight and improve. This perspective aligns with the concept of a “growth mindset,” popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, which emphasizes that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

For instance, consider an entrepreneur whose startup fails. An always-learning mindset encourages them to analyze what went wrong, study market trends, and refine their approach for future ventures. This resilience not only builds confidence but also creates a cycle of continuous improvement, where each experience contributes to greater competence and wisdom.

3. Feeling More Fulfilled

Learning is like a treasure hunt! When we master a new skill, explore a new subject, or solve a tricky problem, our brains release dopamine, making us feel super proud of ourselves. It’s not just about biology, though. Being always curious and learning new things makes life more exciting and full of possibilities. Whether it’s learning a new language, playing an instrument, or thinking about big ideas, learning adds depth and meaning to our lives.

And guess what? Learning keeps our brains sharp and engaged. Studies like the one in Neurology (2021) show that doing mentally stimulating things can help us avoid cognitive decline later in life. So, stay curious, and you’ll not only improve your quality of life, but you’ll also be investing in your long-term mental health.

4. Building Stronger Connections and Collaboration

Being open to learning and growing is super important for building strong relationships and working together well. When we’re always learning, we’re more likely to listen to others, value different ideas, and have meaningful conversations. This is especially true in the workplace, where it can lead to better teamwork and innovation. In fact, a study by McKinsey in 2022 found that companies with employees who prioritize learning and adaptability are 2.5 times more likely to do better than their colleagues.

On a personal level, being curious about others’ experiences—whether it’s learning about their culture, job, or hobbies—can really help us connect with them. For instance, taking the time to learn about a colleague’s expertise or a friend’s passion can make our relationships stronger and create shared moments of growth.

The Bigger Picture

The always-learning mindset is a response to the reality that sitting still is no longer an option. It empowers individuals to take control of their development, stay relevant in their fields, and lead richer, more adaptable lives. But embracing this mindset requires intention and effort. In part two, we’ll explore practical strategies to cultivate and sustain an always-learning approach, helping it to become a lifelong habit.

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Learning to Lead

Steve Keating Leave a comment

In our last post, we discussed why so many people who are promoted into leadership positions fail to actually lead. One of the big reasons is simply that they don’t know how to lead. And no one shows them. The vast vast majority of people in leadership positions never receive even one minute of formal leadership training.

So I suggested that if you find yourself with the opportunity to lead, you shouldn’t wait for your company, organization, or anyone else to teach you to lead. You should take the initiative and learn to lead on your own.

I received a bunch of feedback from people telling me that they couldn’t do that. In fact, they said there was nothing they could do. They were doomed to muddle through the best they could.

So let’s get something clear right from the start. There is ALWAYS something you can do. No matter what situation you find yourself in, no matter how you got there, no matter if you put yourself into that situation or you were put there by someone else, there is ALWAYS something you can do.

There is probably no more limiting belief in life than the belief that you are powerless over any situation in your life. If you buy into that belief, you will be unlikely to ever live your best life or come close to reaching your full potential.

You may need some help, it’s likely in fact. You could benefit from a mentor, coach, or close friend to help you strategize your way through whatever situation you’re dealing with. But never lose sight of this amazing truth: there is ALWAYS something YOU can do.

So, what does that something look like when it comes to learning to lead? That’s an interesting question because neither I nor anyone else can teach you to lead. I can share with you the characteristics of an Authentic Leader, I can offer ideas on how to develop those characteristics for yourself. I can even advise on more effective human relations approaches for dealing with people. But I can’t actually teach someone how to lead.

Using their own personality and skills, they must teach themselves the most effective way to lead others.

That will involve developing a range of people skills, characteristics, and attitudes. Here are some ideas to help you on this journey towards Authentic Leadership.

1. Self-Awareness and Self-Improvement

• Assess Strengths and Weaknesses: Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Tools such as personality tests, 360-degree feedback, and self-reflection can be helpful. Being 100% honest with yourself is vital here.

• Set Personal Goals: Identify areas for improvement and set specific, measurable goals to work on. Then work on them EVERY SINGLE DAY.

• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from peers, mentors, and team members to understand how you can improve. Don’t be even a little defensive when accepting this feedback. If you’ve asked the right people, they’re legitimately trying to help you.

2. Learning and Development

• Education and Training: Take courses in leadership, management, communication, and other relevant areas. Online platforms, universities, and workshops offer valuable resources.

• Read Widely: Read books, articles, and case studies on leadership to learn from others’ experiences. Read constantly, read consistently, and never stop reading.

• Learn from Leaders: Study the behaviors and strategies of successful leaders in your field. Authentic Leaders lead by example; one of the best ways to teach yourself to lead is to closely watch those who already lead authentically.

3. Practical Experience

• Take on Leadership Roles: Seek out opportunities to lead, whether in your job, community, or other activities. Volunteer for projects or committees where you can practice leadership skills. Leadership is a skill that’s learned by doing, so do.

• Start Small: Begin with smaller leadership roles and gradually take on more responsibility as you build confidence and competence.

• Reflect on Experiences: After leading a project or team, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Doing a “debrief” with yourself and a mentor or coach is crucial to self-improvement.

4. Develop Key Skills

• Communication: Work on both verbal and written communication. Effective leaders are good listeners and clear communicators.

• Decision-Making: Practice making decisions, both small and large, and learn to weigh the pros and cons effectively.

• Conflict Resolution: Learn techniques for resolving conflicts and managing difficult conversations.

• Emotional Intelligence: Develop the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others. As I’ve said thousands of times, leadership is about people. People, including you, are emotional. To master leadership, you must master your emotions.

5. Building Relationships

• Networking: Build a strong network of contacts within and outside your organization. Networking can provide support, advice, and opportunities.

• Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Being a mentor to others can also develop your leadership skills.

• Team Building: Learn how to build and maintain high-performing teams. This includes understanding team dynamics and fostering a collaborative environment.

6. Demonstrating Leadership

• Lead by Example: Model the behavior you expect from others. Integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic are essential.

• Empower Others: Encourage and support team members to take the initiative and develop their own leadership skills. You don’t have to be at the top of your organization to begin the process of building more leaders. Start where you are and begin with whatever skills you possess today.

• Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt your leadership style to different situations and team needs. No two people are truly identical. You’ll need to make adjustments early and often if you’re going to succeed as a leader.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Stay Informed: Keep up with trends and developments in your industry and in leadership practices.

• Adapt and Evolve: Be willing to change and improve your leadership approach based on new insights and feedback. Becoming an Authentic Leader is a journey. The moment you think you’re good enough, you’re no longer good enough. The moment you think you’ve arrived, you’ve missed the boat. Never never never stop evolving because when it comes to leadership, the last thing you want to be is good enough.

If it sounds like Authentic Leadership requires a lot of effort, you are correct. It absolutely does. But the rewards are beyond incredible. Helping someone is great. But, helping them become a leader means you’re also helping them help another person, someone you may never know. That’s phenomenal!

So I highly encourage you to make the effort. You will never regret that you did.

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Learn to Earn

Steve Keating 1 Comment

I’ve frequently said that one of my greatest strengths is that I’m pretty much average in almost every way. Almost. There are a couple of things I do that most people simply don’t do. They could, they just don’t. That’s why I can often exceed the expectations of others despite my being average.

One of those things is that I’m up hours before other people. I am also fortunate to be able to read quickly while retaining most of what I read. I write almost as quick as I read, a blog post like this takes maybe 15 minutes to write. Those things combine to help me do the one thing that has helped me succeed more than any other, they help me to always always always be learning. I give myself time, very early in the day, that other people choose to not give themselves. I use much of that time to learn. 

By 6:00am I’ve read two or 3 newspapers, perhaps listened to a podcast, watched a TedTalk or read a magazine or two. I’ll look at what the overseas stock markets are doing so I’ll know whether or not it’s a good idea to peek at my 401k that day or not. Plus it’s in that timeframe that I write this blog two days a week and make my Principles of Leadership Videos for Twitter. 

All this before most people are even thinking about getting themselves out of bed. That allows me to accomplish more than my average cohorts even if I’m below average the rest of the day. 

So I don’t cut people much slack when they tell me they don’t have time to do this or that. I know for a fact that what they are lacking is not time, it’s priorities. 

Most people quit learning at 18 or 22. They may pick up some extra skills on the job, they may learn some stuff through osmosis but the vast vast majority of people stop their formal education the last day they walk out of school. 

You cannot reach your full potential without constantly learning. Knowledge compounds over time. The more you learn the more you will learn in the future. The more you learn the better your choices will be. Better choices lead to better outcomes and far fewer negative consequences. 

Better outcomes and fewer negative consequences lead to higher incomes and lower expenses. Success boils down to what you know and how you use what you know. 

It makes little difference how far you got in school, you can and should still be learning. You need to fire up those study habits from whatever grade you finished and start studying again. Make time to study. Make time to learn. Make time to earn. Make time to succeed…in every area of your life. 

I run into a whole lot of people who are smarter than me. But they don’t know as much as I do. I see many people who have the potential to far surpass any of my accomplishments but I know they are very unlikely to. They are comfortable with what they know. They may not know it all but they are very confident that they know enough. 

Truth be told not knowing something causes very few problems when compared to “knowing” something that just isn’t so. Consistent learners are always challenging what they “know” to see if it is in fact accurate. 

People who keep learning keep rising. Average people who keep learning and using what they learn will consistently outperform above average people who have stopped learning. 

Somebody much smarter than me, I don’t recall who but there’s this thing called Google where you can look it up, once said, “if you’re willing to learn no one can stop you. If you’re not willing to learn no one can help you.” 

I’ve already learned some stuff today but it’s still early, I’m sure I’ll be learning more before the day is done. Will you join me? Not only today but tomorrow and the next day too. You’ll be surprised how much you still have to learn once you commit yourself to learning everyday. But other people will be even more surprised and that’s what makes learning so much fun. 

Want more of LeadToday? I’m changing things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I have started publishing two videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $5 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 

If you’re interested in taking a look head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 🙂

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday 

How to Get What You Want

Steve Keating 2 Comments

There is actually more than one way to get what you want. Some people steal it. Some people luck into it. Some people have it handed to them. But there are “problems” with all of those. You’ve likely heard the saying that crime doesn’t pay. Well sometimes it does pay, but it never pays for very long. People who get what they want by stealing it will eventually lose it, it’s only a question of time. 

Even the luckiest people in the world aren’t lucky all the time. So if you have what you want and got it by being lucky then you too are merely borrowing what you want. Sooner or later, the bill from Lady Luck will come calling. 

The people who have what they want handed to them most often don’t appreciate it enough to possess it for very long. They have no “skin in the game” so when they lose what they have they assume someone will replace it with something else they want. They are shocked when they discover it doesn’t work that way all the time. 

But there is a way to get what you want. It’s also the only way to be certain you’ll get to keep it. To get what you want and keep it, you have to deserve what you want. 

In other words, you have to earn it. 

People who earn what they want would tell you that the world is actually a pretty fair place. There is no dark force that works against anyone to prevent them from succeeding. Everyone faces challenges and roadblocks. People who earn what they want figure out a way to get past them. 

One big way they do that is by controlling what they can control so well that they minimize the things that they can’t control. 

They have complete control over their character. They understand that there are no circumstances that can prevent them from living with integrity. That understanding helps them build solid relationships with people who can help them overcome life’s challenges. Only you can decide whether or not you’ll live a life of good character. Will you act, think and feel in a way that demonstrates respect for others, displays honesty, is consistently responsible, caring and fair?

Those are all choices you get to make every day. People who earn what they want make great choices. 

They also have a great work ethic. They know better than to put in 50% of their possible effort and expect a 100% return. They simply outwork the people who steal, luck into or hope to get what they want. 

So be honest with yourself and evaluate what percentage of days are you giving less than a 100% effort. I don’t suppose anyone can give 100% all the time but people who earn what they want give 100% almost all the time. If you want to increase your chances to earn what you want then get started by increasing your level of effort. That is also a choice completely within your control. 

Here is one more thing that people who earn what they want do. They learn. Always. Every single day. I would equate much of whatever success I’ve had not to the fact that I’m smart, which is completely debatable, but to the fact that I’ve mostly avoided being stupid. Which is not debatable. 

It is far easier to avoid stupidity than it is to be smart. All you need to do is constantly be learning. You can do that by opening yourself up to learn from anyone. Even people you don’t particularly like. Even your competitors. There is no one on the world that doesn’t know something you don’t and when you learn that you can learn anything. 

Learning is also a choice that is also completely within your control. If you’re willing to learn no one can stop you. If you’re not willing to learn no one can help you. So learn.

What is it that you want? Are you willing to earn it? 

If you can answer that first question then you are ahead of many people. If you can answer that second question with a yes then you are ahead of most.

A Daily Dose of Learning

Steve Keating 3 Comments

I’m mildly impressed with people who have lots of formal education. It depends a bit on why they continued with their education. I went to college with a guy who was still in school 10 years after we graduated. He kept getting one degree after another because as long as he was in school he didn’t have to start repaying his student loans. 

The problem with that strategy was obvious to everyone but him. I bet I don’t even have to tell you. But here’s a hint…all that extra schooling wasn’t free. 

So I’m not as impressed with all his degrees as I would be with someone who was trying to educate themselves for the benefit of others. But generally speaking, I’m impressed with anyone who never stops learning, no matter where their education comes from. 

Cause the reality is the odds of them being highly successful is much greater than the people who decide they know enough. 

I graduated from college with an engineering degree. My first job out of college was with a company designing high tech currency validation equipment. I wasn’t all that good at design but I could fix anything that broke. Better and faster than almost anyone. I almost instinctively knew that if this was happening with a piece of equipment then this component was causing it. 

But I was not a repair technician, I was a design engineer. One who didn’t much care about designing. I just wasn’t curious enough about how stuff worked to design new technologies. I could “reengineer” design faults and make improvements to other people’s designs but I had little interest in designing something from scratch. So, through no fault of my own I found myself selling the stuff other people designed. 

It turned out I was very curious about the purchase decisions people made and the way they made them. That curiosity about people and their buying habits led me right to where I am today. While I had learned enough about electronics to last me a lifetime, I discovered will never know enough about people to stop learning. 

People are often given career advice that says they should follow their passion. That sounds much better than it works. Many people who try to turn their passion into a career may make themselves a career but way too often they fail to make themselves a living. 

Better career advice might be find something someone needs and figure out a way to deliver it to them. If you can do that you’ll have plenty of time to pursue your passion and you’ll have the money to do it with too. 

Some people are indeed lucky enough to be able to blend their passion into their careers. I believe I’m one of those. I help people in the areas of sales and leadership. Both heavily involve people and I’m passionate about knowing everything I can about how people act and what drives them to do the things they do. 

I do everything I possibly can to learn something new about people every single day. Many days I’m surprised by what I learn and some days I’m even shocked. But it is that learning that allows me to stay relevant. It is that learning that allows me to help other people. It is that learning that keeps me interested in learning even more. 

Whatever your career path, you will do it better if you provide yourself with a daily dose of learning. You may even find a career that is more suited to you. You will likely have better relationships, at work and at home. The drive to learn will help you meet new people. It will help you understand people so you’ll have far less need to judge them. 

A daily dose of learning is your stepping stone to success. But it’s something no one can do for you. You can sit in a training class but the presenter cannot make you learn. You need to have the desire to learn. 

If you have that desire no one can stop you. If you lack that desire, no one can help you. Give yourself that daily dose of learning for this one simple reason…you deserve it! 

Everyone can use a “nudge” towards success. I’m trying something on Twitter. It’s called “Super Followers.” For $5 a month, that’s 17 cents a day, people can follow a part of my Twitter stream that is for subscribers only. It features short videos of me discussing leadership topics, sales tips and ideas for better overall relationships. I’m assuming there will be far fewer Super Followers than the million or so people who regularly follow me on Twitter. That will give me the opportunity to answer questions more throughly than I can on regular Twitter. Most of the answers will come in the evening cause we all have day jobs, right? Think of it as ”mentoring on demand!”

My goal with SuperFollowers is to build a better connection, one where I can help more and have a greater impact. I’m hoping it gives me a chance to mentor to a wider audience. It’s still new, we’ll see how it works. It’s a $5 dollar investment that may be the extra “push” you need to get to where you want to be. I’d be honored to be able to help get you there. 

You can find more information by clicking the Super Follow button on my Twitter profile page IN THE TWITTER APP. http://twitter.com/leadtoday Give it a try if you’re so inclined, and if you are, be sure to let me know how I’m doing and how I can be of even more help.