In January 2019 I recognized that it was time, once again, to continue the lifelong journey of self-evaluation and personal expression. Like many, I needed a change in behavior.
But what to do about it? Then it hit me, stretch yourself. “Re-Fire!” Don’t retire.
And what better way to do that than go back and revisit old friends. Books . . . Books that made a powerful impact on my thinking and my professional behavior. “Of course, the parables co-authored by Ken Blanchard.”
But this time, re-read those books with the intention of putting the learning into action. In the book, Know Can Do! “Learning is a journey from knowing too doing.” Learning involves a change in behavior in order to be valuable.
You see, when you read a book, new ideas awaken your conscious mind - you get excited, you stop, smile to yourself, and say, “Absolutely, I agree, I’ve thought the same thing.” But until someone else puts it clearly into words that elusive concept never really becomes clear in your thinking.
So, how does one affect a change in behavior? According to Blanchard . . .
First, we need to identify the three factors why people don’t learn and start doing what they know.
1. Information Overload
2. Negative Filtering
3. Lack of Follow-up
Number one, information overload, knowledge comes easy, just ask Google. No need to read a book, attend a seminar, or even listen to an audio session. Just ask.
The second, negative filtering, whenever someone learns something new or positive, even about themselves, they discount it. They suffer from stinkin’ thinkin’.
And the third, lack of follow-up. Changing habits requires a real concentrated effort. Habits are ingrained into the fabric of our lives. People commit each year to an exercise program - but do they really?
What to do?
The first step is to focus on what you want to achieve. That involves identifying future goals. Let’s not call them retirement goals, let’s call them my “What’s Next” goals.
For example, what you’re listening to right now is the fulfillment of one of my goals. To write, produce, and deliver a Podcast.
What new things have you thought about doing but have not acted on?
Think about it? Write it down.
So, in future episodes, as I revaluate books that have changed my thinking, we will attempt to summarize how best to put that learning into action.
It all begins with a change in behavior, stay tuned . . .
This is Patrick Ball, thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.
* Notes from, Know Can Do! Putting Your Know-How into Action, Ken Blanchard, Paul J. Meyer, and Dick Ruhe.
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