Great Entrepreneurs are Always Learning

The qualities below are of such an utmost importance, that I felt it would be beneficial to take a closer look at each.

1. The ability to adjust 

2. The ability to persevere (Don’t be Fooled: Entrepreneurship isn’t Instant Gratification)

3. The ability to have blinders (Entrepreneurs: Turn the “Hate” into Inspiration)

4. The desire to keep learning

5. The ability to stay hungry

 

Part 4: The desire to keep Learning

 

“Most people just work.  A few people become efficient when they work.  And the greats balance efficiency with continual learning….6 months later, what you’ve done. There’s just no comparison.” 

                       -Siimon Reynolds, one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

There’s a major misconception about learning.  Somewhere throughout history, it became associated with ONLY formal education.  Unfortunately, our society is teaching people that graduating from high school or college is all that’s needed.  “Go learn for the first 18-22 years of your life, get a diploma, and you’ve made it!”In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. All recent graduates and young entrepreneurs need to know: the learning has just started and it’s more important than ever!  The process of self-improvement has to become an obsession.  It’s not an option anymore!  It really is THAT important!  To be great, as Mr. Reynolds mentioned in this video, you have to continue to learn.  Here are a few tips:

1. Schedule a part of the day to get better

As mentioned earlier, learning has to become an obsession or habit. What’s an easy way to help build a habit?  Schedule it! One thing I do is catch up on the day’s writings before I go workout.  It’s become a habit and ritual before every single one of my workouts.  I mix my pre-workout supplement, grab my iPad, and open up the Flipboard app.  On the app, I have a section that contains the day’s articles from all the top entrepreneurship websites.  This allows me to not only get mentally prepared for my workout, but learn from great entrepreneurs in the meantime.  When I get to the gym, I like to do a lot of thinking when I’m running.  The cool part is that the thinking normally combines with the new information I just read.  There are many times on the treadmill that I think of a way to apply the tips I read, to myself and my company.  Maybe you retain and apply the information best in the morning or before bed.  That’s perfectly fine!  I just mentioned what works for me. Find a time that’s best for YOU!

 2. Read, Read, & Read some more

I mentioned above that I read something every day.  I’m not talking about Harry Potter (no disrespect to his fans).  Find blogs, websites, and books that will help you become a better person and entrepreneur. Entrepreneur.com  – As expected, they are always posting helpful articles and interviews with some of the world’s top entrepreneurs. Inc.com – I wasn’t familiar with this site until Flipboard, but now I’m a daily reader! It contains information about anything from start-ups to management. Under30CEO.com – You’ve came to the right place.  It’s been and continues to be, a great website and community for young entrepreneurs.  I was learning something every day from Under30CEO long before I contributed. You Call the Shots by Cameron Johnson – Insightful book about selling and life as a young entrepreneur.  Check out this video of Cameron himself. Crush it! by Gary Vaynerchuk – Definitely a must read for anyone interested in building their personal brand.  You can feel Gary’s passion in the writing. WARNING: You will be inspired!

3.  Find Mentors

There is no better way to learn than from someone who has lived it.  Find mentors in different types of fields.  Most of the time, these people will be willing to help a young entrepreneur.  They see it as a chance to save someone from making the same mistakes they did.    Also, connect with entrepreneurs that can pick apart your business.  You want them finding every hole possible.  This will help you in the long run. If you can’t get in touch with a particular entrepreneur, they don’t have to know you’ve made them a mentor.  Get on YouTube and search their name.  Find and listen to every interview and speaking engagement they’ve ever done.  Try and learn from everything you can find about them online.  I’ve got quite a few that I don’t know personally yet.  My goal is to continue learning from them online, while focusing on building a relationship with them in person.

Conclusion

It’s not an option. We have to continue to learn.  If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.  If you’re not improving, someone else is.  Do what you have to do to become a continual learner!

“You are not a finished product. If you don’t keep evolving, you start dying”

                                                                              – Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn

 

Michael Fear is the Founder & CEO of getbettertoday.  His mission is to help people understand that getting better is not an option, but a necessity. Chat with Michael on Twitter: @MichaelEFear