I DARE You to never stop learning

For nearly 5 years I have been planning and executing a yearlong Leadership Academy for folks wanting to develop their opportunities to move into Leadership roles within their careers, volunteer and personal lives. Every year I have around 20 candidates participate in a monthly day-long training. I hire, beg and trade favors to have leaders come and present to the candidates. I even do a couple sessions myself one on Generations in the Workplace and One on Leaders Handling a Media Request. 

When other presenters come in I sit through their presentation. At this point, I have heard just about every presenter 4 times or more and without fail I gain something I had missed the previous time they presented. Over the past couple years I try to bring some busy work to be a little productive, but every time I find myself drawn into the conversation and I get very little of my busy work done. 

Today was no exception the topic was Ethics. Yikes, I know BORING, right?! Not at all this gentleman Dr. Fred Rainquet is terrific and I have heard him present 4 times and I have enjoyed it every time. So what does this tell me? I'm a bit weird, well I don't deny that, but I think it has more to do with my deep belief that no matter your age you should never stop learning. Real leaders know there is always something more or a better way to accomplish a goal and with each class, book or seminar is a tool that may uncover itself to make you a better, stronger and effective leader.

I have always loved to learn from childhood through adulthood. There was a very brief time after I left "traditional" education that I was sure I didn't need to learn anymore because I was an "adult". Now that is FUNNY. Fortunately, for me, every day continues to be a new learning experience. First, in my career it was computers and how quickly they changed, then being a supervisor as I found out this type of leadership was not intuitive and I headed for Manager Training. My Mom skills work great, but some days grown-up skills are required in management situations. Some situations require more than a cookie to fix them although even with adults cookies can mend a good many things. Then the internet went wild and along came social media and my learning continued and continues daily. 

I really never plan to stop attending seminars or reading new books on leadership or social media or success. Even as a gray-haired lady I plan to continue that pursuit for knowledge. It is what keeps our brains supple and sharp. A Huffington Post/TED Talk holds the proof that humans can indeed grow new brain cells, this process is called neurogenesis. The way we grow those brain cells back is by learning new things. Pushing past that moment when it gets hard to understand that is when the brain cells are growing.  I know without a doubt I have killed many, many brain cells over the years. My only hope to stay slightly sane is to continue to learn and grow more of those brain cells.Now, I know this is possible and learning new things helps that regrowth. I Dare you to never stop learning new things and to continue to push the boundaries of what your mind can hold and regrow those brain cells.