Do you remember everything you learned in school? If you’re like me, the answer is, “Uh, no!” Of course, there are certain things we learn that stick with us throughout our lives. Think about the people in your personal or professional life who truly impress you with what they know. You can be one of those people!
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Education is power. It’s said often, but it’s still a profound statement. Of course, many careers in our insurance industry require a certain number of continuing education credits each year. But that should be your starting point, not your goal. Embrace lifelong learning. Explore topics that interest and excite you. Build your broader skill set. Companies in every industry, including insurance, are looking for creative people with strong leadership and communication skills and high emotional intelligence.
You can take (or sometimes even audit) classes at local or online universities. Additionally, there are numerous webinars and courses available online for a myriad of subjects. And don’t forget to look to your colleagues for educational opportunities, too. Shadowing someone is a great way to learn if a new field is a right fit for you. Mentoring can also help you develop your skillset.
Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.
Mark Twain
Failure can be a great teacher and a powerful motivator. If you have a good mentor, one of the first things they should teach you is that it’s okay to fail … as long as you pick yourself up and try again. Learning from our failures builds resilience: a highly valued trait in a world that’s changing faster and faster. And if you never fail at anything you try, you’re probably staying in your comfort zone. That’s a sure way to limit your growth and success!
Remember, too, that you don’t have to know it all (or at least pretending that you do). Failing to recognize the limitations of our knowledge and experience frequently sets us up for failure. On the other hand, acknowledging how much we still have to learn earns the respect of colleagues and customers. It also encourages others to share their knowledge with us.
Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
Jim Rohn
Don’t misunderstand me. Education can be from the School of Hard Knocks as much as from an Ivy League university. Not all learning leads to a degree you can hang on the wall. If fact, you may never be recognized for all the things you have learned. But the ability to learn and to apply what you’ve learned to real-life situations is essential to your success.
Your life experience gives you a unique perspective on the world. In a time when businesses rely more and more on collaboration, for example brainstorming to solve problems or develop new ideas, every voice is important. After all, what seems like a simple idea may be the answer your company’s been looking for!
In conclusion, if you feel like you can’t learn anything else, then you need to rethink that. There is always something new to learn! Never forget that education, particularly self-education, is what gives you the power to succeed and grow, not just at work, but in life.