Coaching Tip: Discover What You Know, Use What You Know

Originally Submitted on 11/24/98.

Introduction

It is easy to forget how much we already know, and to look outside ourselves for personal growth when what we really need to do is learn to apply what we have already learned.

The Coaching Tip

There is nothing wrong with continuing to learn from others in whatever way you choose. Some may choose tapes because they can listen to them while doing other things. Others may appreciate the intensity and the energy charge one gets from attending seminars and workshops with hundreds of like-minded people, and from the personality of a dynamic speaker. What is important is not to confuse intellectual knowledge with personal growth. The real effort does not lie in acquiring the knowledge, it lies in applying it. Before we move on to acquiring yet more new knowledge, perhaps we would be well advised to examine whether we have put into practice the knowledge we already have.

So here are two action steps.

Step 1: Next time that you are tempted to spend time and money attending yet another class or course, or buying another set of tapes, give yourself a challenge. Take the time to sit down with pen and paper (or computer and keyboard if that is how you create best) and design a course or class that TEACHES the topic you are so eager to learn. Delve into what you have already learned. You may surprise yourself.

Step 2: (This is the tough part, the part that really involves personal growth.) Go through what you have written and decide what life changes you need to make based on that knowledge. Set out a plan for the next six weeks, and for six months, that starts to put that knowledge into practice. Stick with it.

When you have done all of that, THEN there may be some point in spending your time and money so as to take yet another course. Alternatively, you may realize that you already have within you all the wisdom that you need. All that you need then is guidance in tapping into it.

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About the Submitter

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