Living to the Fullest
“If you’re not growing you’re dying. “ -Anthony Robbins
I like this quote because for me, it reinforces the concept of experiencing vs. existing. It’s about having the wonder of a child to ask “why” even when you’re decades beyond childhood. It’s having a “never too old” mentality. It’s choosing to be a life-long learner, thus learning vs. atrophying.
Regret is no Excuse
Although it’s easy to lament the fact that you “woulda, coulda, shoulda” have done something differently (most often started something sooner). Using any of these regret-filled excuses to explain why you can’t start whatever today really isn’t a valid rationale. Whether you’re 30 or 80, do you just want to sit in a chair and do nothing or do the same thing every day until this incarnation is over? I don’t.
Life-Long Learning
You can grow in a number of ways. For me, it’s all about life-long learning. Whether the learning is occurring in a classroom, on-line, through a book, or as a life experience, the goal of growth can be achieved.
I admire anyone who continues to take steps to improve—in their profession, in their relationships, and as a human being. Whether it’s learning a new skill entirely or becoming more proficient in a skill already achieved, I am much more inspired by someone who is willing to admit that he doesn’t know everything versus someone who arrogantly struts around relying upon past accomplishments for future success.
Growth Choices
I also think it’s important to learn NEW things, not just gain experience of the same thing over and over. When Kent and I vacation we basically have the mindset that we’re going to do everything we might want to do in a location because we may never make it back. That has prompted us to spend money (sometimes money that was on the fringe of being outside our budget) on a once in a lifetime helicopter ride in Hawaii, the experience of swimming with dolphins in Curacao, and taking a ride in one of the few remaining airworthy B-17 bombers. I don’t want to judge another person’s choice of vacation locale, but I can’t relate to nor can I understand going to the exact same location every year and doing the exact same activities. For me, what makes an experience or a lesson memorable and noteworthy is the uniqueness, not the sameness. New experiences, new ideas, and new learning broaden a person’s perspective.
What about you? Are you growing or dying?