Everyone is good at something. Find that thing and never stop learning about it. Acknowledge that you don’t know what you don’t know and be open to continuous learning.
The second principle of the Pilanesberg Project —knowledge — , is personified by the elephant. Mirroring human sensibilities, the elephant employs its strength and knowledge to advance the interests of the herd. Highly empathic, elephants protect their young and care for their elders — even mourning their dead.
It is important to always be learning, because we don’t know what we don’t know. You won’t be aware of the opportunities that could be available to you because you won’t know they’re there. Lifelong learning is critical because it enables us to see connections and recognize patterns in all aspects of life.
“Every new skill you acquire doubles the odds of your success.”
Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert comics
This isn’t the 1800’s anymore — it is not enough to just learn facts and be able to recite them. The key is to couple the knowledge you acquire with action (one of the five principles of the Pilanesberg Project).
The world no longer cares about what you know now that the cumulative knowledge of mankind is available free of charge to everyone with an internet connection or a library card. The ability to creatively solve problems by supplying goods and services of value using what you know will always be relevant and will compensate you accordingly.
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”
Robert Greene, author of “The 48 Laws of Power”
The latest couple generations to graduate high school and college will face one of the most difficult job markets in history as automation dismantles many legacy skill sets, rendering them useless. Major disruptions will occur in all of industries and institutions. Don’t you want to do everything you can to ensure that you are as valuable as possible to your employer and/or your customers?
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out” is the most powerful phrase in the world for someone who wants more and better things in their life — better relationships, better health, more money, more free time, more independence, and so on. These words make you appear hungry for knowledge, yet still humble enough to learn. No matter your age, you will stand out from the crowd if you are sincere when you speak them.
You can spend your time learning and growing, or you can choose entertainment and distraction. Most people lead mediocre lives because they consistently choose the second.
“Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become.”
Hal Elrod, best-selling author
A man who knows a little about a lot will open doors to opportunities that will remain closed to others. This person will acquire new customers, get a job, find a mate, and make friends because he can keep conversations going due to his ability to talk about topics that the other person is interested in.