(2 minute read)
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” (Colin Powell; Former US Secretary of State)
Imagine a philosophy designed to make us more resilient, happier, more virtuous and wiser. A practise which allowed us to develop into better people, better parents and better professionals.
Stoicism is a tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, perseverance, and wisdom: something one uses to live a great life, rather than a specific field of academic inquiry.
One of the most famous of all Stoics was the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. To read his thoughts – which he penned over 2000 years ago – is an insight into a compassionate, empathic, insightful and observant mind. Aurelius’ classic, Meditations, is a great example of a student mentality, a solid foundation for the Lifelong Learner.
Last week in Australia we celebrated National Careers Week. An opportunity to put the spotlight on an essential component of all our lives – our careers.
Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes developing and applying the competencies required to plan and make informed decisions about our education, training and work.
“All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.” (Martin Fisher)
Due to scientific advances, such as tackling infant mortality, cardiovascular disease and the reduction of smoking rates, around half of those aged 20 today are expected to live to 100 (Deloitte, 2018 study).
If this ‘science’ proves true, and we don’t adopt the growth mindset of a Lifelong Learner, we face a future where we’ll never know anything more for the remainder of our lives than we know today!
“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” (Mark Twain)
Our ‘call-to-action’ is to consider our learning plan to be as essential to our personal and professional development as our financial plan.
Enjoy the journey!