How thirsty are you for KNOWLEDGE? This is a great question to ask yourself, as we end one year and begin a new one. It's a great topic for a lesson that can perhaps change your entire outlook on life in 2008.
I believe it's safe to say that the "THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE" is an acquired desire. People are not born educated, and knowledge is not passed down through genetics. Instead, it is acquired only by those who seek it. And now, more than at any other time in the history of mankind, almost all individuals have the ability to seek it. The days when rulers and their families were the only ones to have access to valuable information are quickly coming to an end. With the creation of the Internet, and it's constant and relentless expansion, the average "individual on the street" can be more informed that the rich and famous.
As an avid reader of magazines, books and especially biographies, I have learned that throughout the history of mankind, most of the greatest achievers and experts in their fields came from humble beginnings. The parents of these great achievers were often poor, uneducated, and had little to offer their children in the way of knowledge. However, all Great Achievers developed a thirst for knowledge in a field that they enjoyed. They then worked hard, usually under tough conditions to educate themselves, and stood out like a seven foot individual among children. They then turned their knowledge into VALUE in the marketplace and accomplished big dreams.
No matter what industry you are in, begin reading everything that you can about it. If you don't have much money, you're in luck: Go onto the Internet and read all that you can for FREE. You don't have to rely on spending money on books and magazines anymore. Most of the top business magazines offer their articles online for free. And if you have trouble reading, you now have the option to learn a great deal on websites like You Tube for free.
The Internet is also filled with groups of people who communicate to one another about their respective industries. They post messages, e-mail one another, share relevant pictures, speak to one another, and even video-conference. So much interaction happens every second that it's impossible to fully comprehend.
The ability to communicate with others in this fashion is a modern day miracle. Your next business venture may be with someone who lives across the country, or the world, for that matter. The ability to instantly communicate would be a mind-boggling concept to a person who lived just 100 years ago. Letters had to be hand-written and carried by horse domestically, or by boat internationally. Many times, people would write 5 copies of the same letter with the hope that at least one would reach its destination. Today, you can electronically transfer letters, files, pictures, and music instantly!
In the past, it has always been very difficult to educate yourself. First of all, the means were just not there, and secondly, it was made nearly impossible for political reasons. Now, the means ARE there, and politics have thus far been kept at bay. Are you taking advantage of this golden opportunity?
It's impossible to know it all, even in your own field. But it "IS POSSIBLE" to make sure that your THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE exists within you and your learning curve is trending upward daily. A conscious effort must be made to make this happen.
If you aspire to be excellent in your field, then begin processing as much relevant information about your industry as possible. Know what your customers want, and how their tastes and desires are changing. And if there's one thing that you can absolutely count on, it's that your client's desires are FOREVER changing. You'll either be prepared to supply their needs or be out of business or out of a job. The choice is up to YOU!
Make it a goal for 2008, to become the most informed individual you possibly can. Learn more and get involved more in every important facet of your life. Seek out important knowledge in order to make better decisions regarding your career; your industry; your family's well being; and electing the BEST candidates to run the government, that represents you and makes critical decisions FOR YOU.
Once you develop an intense thirst for KNOWLEDGE, your lifestyle can improve dramatically! Have a HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.