Continue Learning, Continue Improving

“Drink deeply from good books…” – John Wooden

Recently,  I attended the Ohio State Strength Clinic, sponsored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  As you might expect, there were several educational and informational presentations delivered by some of the pioneers and leaders in the field of strength and conditioning. I learned a lot.

One of the presentations, Things They Don’t Teach You in School: What You Really Need to Know as a Strength Coach, included a slide about continuous learning that resonated with me.  I especially like it because it applies to everyone, regardless of the field in which one works, studies, etc.

Here are some of the key points:

• Develop a deep and broad curiosity.  Strive to understand the “hows” and “whys,” and you’ll come away with a much greater sense of understanding.
• Schedule time.  Don’t wait until you have time.  You need to make time for reading, studying, observing, and learning.
• Study unrelated fields.  There are lots of parallels among and between school, sports, work, and life.  Be open-minded and you can apply some of those lessons to your situation.
• Listen.  You can learn a lot more by listening than you can by talking.
• Find a career coach, mentor, buddy.  Avoid the “I already know enough” trap.  Put aside your ego and learn from others with experience and expertise in your field.
• Read, read, and read.  Enough said.
• Put yourself in situations that force you to learn.  Enroll is a class, register for a webinar, or sign up for a workshop.  Commit to it and get it on your calendar.

“Knowledge is power,” according to Sir Francis Bacon.  Continuous learning leads to continuous improvement.

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?

Embrace the Journey

“The journey is the reward.” – Steve Jobs

We all have goals.  Long-term goals, short-term goals – things we aspire to accomplish or achieve.

Some of the things to which we look forward are “milestones” – like turning 21 – and don’t require much preparation.  It’s just a matter of time.

Most of our goals, though, require some planning, preparation, and effort.  There’s a process – a journey – involved in the eventual achievement of these goals.

And, although achievement may be the pinnacle of the process, the journey is the enriching, character-building part.

In sports, it’s not winning a championship that makes you better; it’s all the time you devoted to daily practice and preparation as a player and teammate.

In school, it’s not the high grade on your test or report card that makes you better; it’s all the time you spent doing homework and studying – learning – along the way.

At work, it’s not the promotion – or the raise – that makes you better; it’s all the work you put into your job – your daily commitment to excellence as an employee, entrepreneur, supervisor, or co-worker.

If life, it’s not where you get that makes you better; it’s what you did to arrive at that point.

Accomplishment is great, but the self-improvement that occurs along the way is the real prize.

Embrace the journey.  Enjoy the ride.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?

Find Your Groove

Find something you do well, and do it.

Find something you love to do, and do it.

Find something you do well and love to do, and you’ve found your groove; you’ve got it made.

Easier said than done… right?

How, exactly, do you find your groove?

How do you find “IT?”

Here are some thoughts:

• Experiment with it
• Learn everything you can about it
• Be comfortable with it
• Be enthusiastic and passionate about it
• Have fun with it
• Find balance
• Take a break, once in a while
• Believe in yourself and your abilities
• Be positive and optimistic — expect success
• Bounce back from setbacks
• Appreciate what you have
• When it’s time to be productive… be productive
• Focus — don’t try to multi-task
• Enjoy the journey
• Celebrate small victories — something is better than nothing
• Be thankful

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?

Invest in YOU

This week, I’m attending the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) National Conference.  It’s a great opportunity to improve myself through learning, networking, and professional development.

In essence, I’m investing in myself.

If you want to achieve, accomplish, or succeed, you’ll need to develop — and invest in — yourself.

Here are some ways you can invest in yourself.

Discover Your Strengths.  What are you doing when you’re at your best?

Set Goals and Review Your Progress to ensure that you’re on track to accomplish your goal(s).

Get a Mentor to give you objective guidance and perspective.

Develop Your Skills

• Education – classes, degrees, certifications
• Training – workshops, conferences, webinars
• Knowledge – books, articles, blogs

Be Creative.  Try something new – some activity you haven’t explored before

Cultivate Your Mind and Body

• Read
• Be open-minded
• Keep your mind active with word games and puzzles
• Exercise regularly
• Fuel your body with healthy foods
• Allow for adequate rest and recovery
• See your physician regularly, and when you’re sick
• Wear clothes that make you feel confident and attractive

Be Thankful

Find Your Purpose.  What drives you?  Why do you do what you do?

Try to do at least one thing, every day, that makes you better and moves you closer to where you want to be.

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?

Continue Learning, Continue Improving

 

“Drink deeply from good books…” – John Wooden

Recently,  I attended the Ohio State Strength Clinic, sponsored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  As you might expect, there were several educational and informational presentations delivered by some of the pioneers and leaders in the field of strength and conditioning. I learned a lot.

One of the presentations, Things They Don’t Teach You in School: What You Really Need to Know as a Strength Coach, included a slide about continuous learning that resonated with me.  I especially like it because it applies to everyone, regardless of the field in which one works, studies, etc.

Here are some of the key points:

• Develop a deep and broad curiosity.  Strive to understand the “hows” and “whys,” and you’ll come away with a much greater sense of understanding.
• Schedule time.  Don’t wait until you have time.  You need to make time for reading, studying, observing, and learning.
• Study unrelated fields.  There are lots of parallels among and between school, sports, work, and life.  Be open-minded and you can apply some of those lessons to your situation.
• Listen.  You can learn a lot more by listening than you can by talking.
• Find a career coach, mentor, buddy.  Avoid the “I already know enough” trap.  Put aside your ego and learn from others with experience and expertise in your field.
• Read, read, and read.  Enough said.
• Put yourself in situations that force you to learn.  Enroll is a class, register for a webinar, or sign up for a workshop.  Commit to it and get it on your calendar.

“Knowledge is power,” according to Sir Francis Bacon.  Continuous learning leads to continuous improvement.

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?