"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God, do you learn."
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The Joy of Learning
Over twenty years ago I remember getting the revelation from a book I read that if a person lives to LEARN, then they will learn to LIVE. Ever since that day I decided to be a student of life and its lessons. I have come to understand that one can learn something every day IF one pays attention. Last week I had the opportunity to attend a world class conference with some of the best communicators around the world. I paid lots of attention, listening intently and took some great notes.
Here are a just a few of the ideas and concepts I learned about. Not all of them were new but all FRESH. As I share them with you, I want to challenge you to think about your perspective on these thoughts:
1. Stay small in your own eyes. Always remember that confidence helps you get to the top but humility keeps you there. Don't despise your small beginnings where you are now. Don't compare your life, position or situation to anyone else. One of the speakers said, “Comparison is acid to your soul.” Ouch! If you compare your situation to others, you will only waste your time instead of focusing on your own journey. Stay focused and faithful on your current assignment and in time your reward or promotion will arrive.
2. Extraordinary things happen when ordinary people not only go the EXTRA mile, but also pray. In other words, never whine, complain or make excuses. Always do your BEST and God will take care of the REST! Never underestimate what GOD can do through you. Don't neglect the spiritual power of life.
3. The distance between where we are and our dream coming to pass is PAIN. Most people try and avoid pain but the fact is that if you plan to achieve and accomplish things in life, you cannot avoid it. Don't be naive about pain, adversity and obstacles as you continue to pursue your dream. Pain is not prejudice and visits all of us. The positive thing about pain is that it is a good teacher. Hopefully, we extract the lessons and get stronger with age. Remember, “The difference between where we are now and where we want to be is the pain we are unwilling to endure.”
4. Always live your life with the end in mind - because the end will come. Wow! This is so true. Program your thinking, your relationships, your finances and your life for long-term. Dr. Covey says, "Begin with the end in mind." Too many people think this is just about projects in business or goals in sports but the truth is it is about LIFE. How do you want to be remembered? What is the legacy you are leaving behind every day with people you meet? What type of heritage are you leaving your children?
As I listened for over two days to some great thoughts, I was reminded that none of us should wish for an easy life, but we should work to become better. We shouldn't wish to have no problems, but we should focus on having more skills. Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere!
Julio Melara
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Frill Seekers family has the pleasure of calling Julio Melara, "friend." This Godly man is an inspiration to each and everyone he comes in contact with. Each week he sends out "Mental Snacks" to inspire readers. Please visit his website: http://www.juliomelara.com/ to read more about him or order his books (we have every single one!) or schedule Julio to speak at your next meeting or event or to sign up for his FREE weekly email. (guess it obvious that we are huge fans...right?)
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