Your mind naturally and automatically seeks the information and knowledge it deems important. It is programmed to seek data relevant to your survival. Since we no longer live in the jungle, relevant is redefined as what is important to you in the context of our modern society. Adam Crane, in his book Mindfitness Training: Neurofeedback and the Process, discusses the importance of what he calls “consciousness processing.” There is an exponentially increasing body of information on an overwhelming spectrum of topics. Some information is of high quality, while most is not. Some information can be detrimental to your well being, especially when it misleads, misdirects and distracts. In this age of accelerating expansion, you must be very discriminating with the knowledge you seek. You do not have time for “fake news” or distraction. A compelling vision automatically directs your mind toward new insights and profound knowledge that is important to you and your ultimate success.
The following is a quote by Eric Hoffer from 1970. It is even more relevant today, almost 50 years later:
“In a time of drastic change is is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”
Now more than ever, you must be a constant learner. There are certain topics that are germane to everyone: health, relationships, and finances being the most common. These areas of your life, especially relationships, are the most rewarding and often the most challenging. One insight can transform your life, and you will find dozens at Humanity Upgrade and Relationship Development and Transformation.
Being a constant learner is important in all aspects of your life. In the age of accelerating expansion, business leaders must constantly seek new information and knowledge, adapt to disruptive technologies, all while continuing to offer customers an experience of exchange in abundance. These should be key areas of interest to all entrepreneurs and CEOs.
In the age of transformation, you must be constantly improving, especially if you work for someone else. Give the impression of increase in all your interactions and you will definitely get ahead. If your job description is narrowly focused, learn everything there is to know about your company. Take courses on how to relate better to coworkers. Constantly learn new ways to add value and innovate for your company and its products. The most successful companies today are disrupters that offer amazing levels of perceived value to their customers. They also encourage all their personnel to be self-motivated innovators that seek new information and knowledge.
Being a constant learner does not mean that you cannot have outside interests or distractions. You will find your own happy medium. Depending on your stage of life, perhaps it is 80% work related and 20% personal. As always, the key is expansion. Whenever you engage with any type of content, ask yourself the question: “Did this move my life forward or do I feel like I wasted my time?” Let this question be your learning guide.
Here is an example of profound knowledge that will dramatically enhance everyone’s life. The longest ongoing study in psychology history is the Harvard Longitudinal Study (Grant Study). It started in 1940 with 268 Harvard undergrads and 456 disadvantaged inner-city youths from Boston’s poorest neighborhoods. The participants were diverse. Some became doctors, some lawyers, and one even became President of the United States. Others had difficult lives, with financial reversals, alcoholism, and mental illness. The study endeavored to answer the question: What constitutes happiness? What is a good life?
Questionnaires are sent to participants and their families each year. Over time, it became apparent that it was not wealth, nor fame that made the participants happy, but relationships. Good relationships keep us alive and healthy; loneliness kills. Lonely people live much shorter lives. Isolation is toxic to your health and brain function. Happy, healthy relationships are an excellent predictor of longevity.
Relationships don’t have to be smooth, just as long as you can count on each other. There are no quick fixes in relationships. They can be messy, and it is important not to hold grudges. In the final analysis it is unequivocal: The good life is built with good relationships. The good life is also built on attaining and applying profound knowledge.
This is Part Five of a seven-part series:
Part One: The Human Brain Synergizes Information
Part Three: Your Brain Perfectly Mimics
Part Two: Your Brain is Driven to Succeed
Part Four: Your Brain Craves Completeness
Part Six: Your Brain is Truth-Seeking
Part Seven: Your Brain is Persistent
