For the Sake of Learning

Have you ever questioned which is better: Formal education or self education?

After 5 years of higher education, I can truly say I learned more from the books and subjects I choose to read on my own accord. I try to read 1 book per week, and also listen to an audiobook a week. On average, I hit my target. In addition, I read research data and also watch YouTube videos of other experts in my field. If only I had the same desire for formal education as I have had for self education.

Don't get me wrong, I am not diminishing the importance of formal education, it is important and provides structured elements that tend to provide a good challenge. However, for me in my 5 years of college, I rarely had the desire to sit still in a classroom for three hours. I`m very active and sitting still for that long was a major challenge. While I was in college, I didn't realize that I really needed to be fully engaged in what I was learning to have a lasting impact. We all know that we won't retain information unless we apply it in someway, so it's silly to think we`ll remember everything we learn in college classes. However, there is something great to be learned during the process besides just the specific knowledge needed for our career path.

I have had conversations with mentors of mine, and other professionals that I look up to that have placed a huge emphasis on my formal education. However, when we have discussed self and continuing education, it was apparent that I was more engaged at this time in the learning process. Not that one is better then the other, but self education cannot be devalued. Passion sparks the desire and the willingness to commit to studies; whether formal or informal.

Many successful entrepreneurs do not have degrees, but you will always find them indulging in learning processes. No, I do not just mean trial and error experience, though that is often the case too. John Maxwell said this:

 "Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher.
Reflective thinking is needed to turn experience into insight..."  

I don't know about some of you, but I was never taught to go to school for the simple sake of learning. To me, it seemed that the emphasis was always to "do better" or get a good grade so that I could receive my diploma or degree, and then be finished with the process. I perceived the learning process as one in which the only motive was to "do better" and "be better"; in which the process itself was completely overlooked. 

If we can spark passion within our youth and even our adults, we will surely find a way to educated ourselves in our area of interest via internet, Google, YouTube, textbooks and formal education systems. Every piece of knowledge we wish to attain is right at our fingertips. As entrepreneurs we should be very excited about the opportunity with or without degrees! 

Me personally? I`m going back to school for another degree simply for the sake of learning, for the first time in my life. I am already committed to self studies, why not have another formally respected degree to add to my networth? I will forever be an advocate of self education. Afterall, how many people got their bachelor degree and never picked up another book again in their life? Too many. Perhaps that's the problem. 

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.

-Albert Einstein 

Heart of the Matter: No Risk No Reward

The scariest, yet most rewarding things in life come from taking risks. From jobs, starting businesses, moving locations, and love, the only great returns come with paired with the biggest risks. 

It has been my experience that the happiest people in this world are the one's who have struggled the most in their pasts. Why? I have found every successful person I've met to have one major thing in common: They are risk takers. Anyone who has has much, has been willing to lose much in order to gain it. With love, we risk losing and breaking our heart to someone else, but that is a risk that must be taken in order to experience love. Many people have failed in love, and simply give up. They are not willing to take the risk anymore for fear of losing. The problem is, they always yearn for that love, but lack the willingness to take the risk to get it. No risk, no reward. 

In business, it is much the same. Those who are successful in their endeavors are the ones who have risked everything they have in order to make their dream become a reality. You know, those entrepreneurs like Donald Trump who filed bankruptcy after over $100,000 in debt, but then went on to be successful anyways? What if he had not continued? What if he lost all confidence in himself and faith in his purpose? He would have simply remained "a failure". 

But, failure is a part of the process. You must be willing to put it all on the table, and risk it all. If you give a half hearted effort, you will get half the reward in turn. Too many people speak about their dreams, but then play it safe. Now, I`m not saying to be irresponsible, but when you are called to something and the opportunity presents itself to you, sometimes you have to be willing to take the risk. Rise or fall. There is no inbetween.

With great risk comes great reward if you are willing to stay the course you set out on. You will never be succesful in your endeavors if you never finish what you start. Don't put your eggs into too many baskets, lest your focus become distracted. Do not try to do a hundred things well, try to do one well. With great passion, sense of purpose, faith in the darkness, kindness and hard work, your risks will surely be multiplied into great rewards!  You reap what you sow wherever you put your focus. Never, never, never give up!

To all of you fellow entrepreneurs out there - let's keep risking it all! I know I have. When everything is on the table, there is no where to go, no one to blame. You must do what you have to do. If we stand together, we can continue to pick each other up if the other falls. We WILL succeed, but we will face struggles along the way. They're not failures, they're just a part of the process. 

Keep going!!

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

- Vince Lombardi