Information Thirst.
I can't tell you how much time over the last few years I've thought about "What it takes to be successful". I've often thought that the definition of success you use would determine how you go about becoming successful, but as I learn more from experience and reading, I am becoming more convienced that there are a few characteristics all successful people share.
1. Thirst for Information and Knowledge - When I started school at the University of Nebraska, I thought that once I graduated I would automatically be a success. (It was in the late 90's and I think a lot of us thought that.) I had always been taught that an education was a key to success.
Education maybe an advantage, but what I've seen in some of the people that I admire, is that they haven't let a diploma dictate the end of their learning. In fact, it appears that their thirst for knowledge only grows once they realize that information gives an edge.
Example one - one of the people that I've admired from afar the last several years has been Gordo Byrn. His story is what initially drew me back to his website, because I was always amazed how he had stepped aside from his professional life to chase the triathlete's dream.
Later on I was impressed with how he continually improved his knowledge in exercise physiology and sports nutrition. It was always was ironic, I thought, that he was out there meeting the "right people" testing out ideas on himself in order to reach an end - improving his ability to coach and race. At the same time I was learning the principles of physiology to reach and end - get my diploma. Ultimately though my goal was to help people improve their race performances and health.
It may seem like a small difference, but an important one from my point of view. Sometimes in order to get my diploma, I had to sacrifice the application of the principles and focus on retaining the principle.
It is also interesting how one of the bigger debates on his website that comes up regulary is about training principle concepts in the lab and practical real life applications of those principles. Almost a physiology vs. psychology vs. time management difference.
Example two: I recently started reading Mark Cuban's blog, blogmaverick. A post I found interesting was this one on success & motivation. The most interesting thing to me was how Mark learned about computers. Not at Indiana University (not sure what he studied), but by reading the manuals of the software and computer business. What he found was that the knowledge he gained by reading the boring manuals many wouldn't touch, gave him a knowledge and skill others didn't have.
Reading. Reading anything and everything that deals with your industry. It really does seem to be one very important key. It demonstrates this thirst for information that seems common.
One application of this reading practice that I found very simple, yet insightful came from the book "Love is the Killer App," by Tim Sanders. (Who I believe worked for Cuban at one point). He basically says to be generous with the information you learn through the books you read. And when appropriate, be generous with the gifting of the books you discuss. Simple.
There are some more characteristics that I think I've seen... and will write more when I've have some more time.
1. Thirst for Information and Knowledge - When I started school at the University of Nebraska, I thought that once I graduated I would automatically be a success. (It was in the late 90's and I think a lot of us thought that.) I had always been taught that an education was a key to success.
Education maybe an advantage, but what I've seen in some of the people that I admire, is that they haven't let a diploma dictate the end of their learning. In fact, it appears that their thirst for knowledge only grows once they realize that information gives an edge.
Example one - one of the people that I've admired from afar the last several years has been Gordo Byrn. His story is what initially drew me back to his website, because I was always amazed how he had stepped aside from his professional life to chase the triathlete's dream.
Later on I was impressed with how he continually improved his knowledge in exercise physiology and sports nutrition. It was always was ironic, I thought, that he was out there meeting the "right people" testing out ideas on himself in order to reach an end - improving his ability to coach and race. At the same time I was learning the principles of physiology to reach and end - get my diploma. Ultimately though my goal was to help people improve their race performances and health.
It may seem like a small difference, but an important one from my point of view. Sometimes in order to get my diploma, I had to sacrifice the application of the principles and focus on retaining the principle.
It is also interesting how one of the bigger debates on his website that comes up regulary is about training principle concepts in the lab and practical real life applications of those principles. Almost a physiology vs. psychology vs. time management difference.
Example two: I recently started reading Mark Cuban's blog, blogmaverick. A post I found interesting was this one on success & motivation. The most interesting thing to me was how Mark learned about computers. Not at Indiana University (not sure what he studied), but by reading the manuals of the software and computer business. What he found was that the knowledge he gained by reading the boring manuals many wouldn't touch, gave him a knowledge and skill others didn't have.
Reading. Reading anything and everything that deals with your industry. It really does seem to be one very important key. It demonstrates this thirst for information that seems common.
One application of this reading practice that I found very simple, yet insightful came from the book "Love is the Killer App," by Tim Sanders. (Who I believe worked for Cuban at one point). He basically says to be generous with the information you learn through the books you read. And when appropriate, be generous with the gifting of the books you discuss. Simple.
There are some more characteristics that I think I've seen... and will write more when I've have some more time.
posted by gary at 10:17 AM
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