The value of continuous learning
November 6, 2009 by Sandy
Filed under General Fundraising
I’m reading Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich”. It’s a wonderful book that my Dad gave me years ago. I wasn’t ready for its amazing lessons back then, but they’re resonating with me today.
I read something that really struck me this morning and I wanted to share with you. It’s about the concept of being a lifelong learner, which I totally believe in.
The person who stops studying merely because they have finished school is forever hopelessly doomed to mediocrity, no matter their calling. The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge.
You’ve got to keep learning. NO matter what. PARTICULARLY in fundraising. Things change too fast and you’ve got to keep up.
When’s the last time you learned something new? If it was yesterday, awesome! If it was last week, great! Last month? Not bad. Longer than that? Better go visit the bookstore or sign up for a class. You’ve got some work to do.
Fantastic nugget, Sandy…and Hill’s book IS chock-full of great lessons. I learn something new almost every day, and it’s to the point where I need a clone just to try all the great ideas I come across. Many of them come from your site, so thank you!
When I first entered the nonprofit world in 1977 my boss continually drilled into me: “You pay for your training whether you do it or not.” This applies to both increasing one’s own knowledge base, as well as training volunteers and staff.
Michele Martin has done some great blogging on continuous learning and introduced me to the concept of a Personal Learning Environment. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/3Ydo5H
Regards,
Glenn
Thanks Glenn for sharing that link. Wow, you’ve worked in nonprofit for a while! I bet you’ve seen many changes.
Sandy