Self-Invested or Self-Decepted?

"The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become. That is why I wish to pay fair price for every value. If I have to pay for it or earn it, that makes something of me. If I get it for free, that makes nothing of me." -- Jim Rohn

Here is a revealing question. How much of your business or personal income are you investing in yourself? Does your business or personal budget have a line item marked education, personal development, business development, training, or coaching? Have you even stopped to think about why it is important to add one? Why not?

In talking with business owners and self-employed professionals of various companies, I find there is a very familiar thread that often emerges. While there is usually an intense desire to increase revenue, reduce cost, and increase productivity; the perceived need for an increased skill set or even skill set evaluation is often absent. If the recognition is there, in many cases, the accompanying action is not. Why not?

Since we clearly find time and resources for those things that are most important to us, it appears to be a matter of commitment and priority. If you spend enough time with anybody, it is usually easy to see what their priorities really are. I define these as the non-negotiable commitments and no matter what happens, they are generally fulfilled. So why wouldn't continuous learning and self-improvement be at the top of the list?

Think about it this way: If everything we have is suddenly taken away either by force or by misfortune, what do we have left? Only our own mind and our own brain. It truly is the only thing that cannot be taken from us and history is full of such examples, including the experience of Viktor Frankl. So the question is why in the world would we not consistently feed and develop the only thing that we truly own -- our incredible mind?

Part of the problem may be in the quantity versus quality of information scenario we see playing out before us. Orrin Woodward says; "we are information rich, and wisdom poor." I agree. Science fiction writer Theodore Sturgeon said; "Ninety percent of science fiction is crud, but then, ninety percent of everything is crud." This became the basis of Sturgeon's Law -- and if we look closely, we'll see it is full effect in today's internet age. An online visit to any number of sites and applications will confirm this to be true.

So how do we find that ten percent of the information that is truthful, helpful, and worth learning? We look to those who have the results in the area in which they speak and write. This "fruit on the tree" approach helps zero in on the right information that produces the right result. A good coach knows where to find such information, and I for one would be more than happy to share some recommendations.

Feed your mind by building a library of great books. Strengthen your resolve with good audio and video information in your area of interest. Finally, be sure to associate with people who are also committed to excellence and the development of a strong mind and a specific purpose. Don't skimp on your most valuable resource. Make the investment, and make it count.

Your comments are always welcome.