Three Minute Leadership- The Value of Unlearning and Joy of Curiosity

To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning

In his wonderful book, Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite, Paul Arden shares his perspectives on career and self-management. In the story, “The Age of Unreason,” he gives great leaders pause for reflection on the importance of not allowing their life’s learning and experiences to impede their effectiveness and growth.

Old golfers don’t win(it’s not an absolute, it’s a general rule)

Why?

The older golfer can hit the ball as far as the young one.

He chips and puts equally well.

And will probably have a better knowledge of the course.

So why does he take the extra stroke that denies him victory?

Experience.

He knows the downside, what happens if it goes wrong,

Which makes him more cautious.

The younger player is either ignorant or reckless to caution.

That is his edge.

It is the same with all of us.

Knowledge makes us play safe.

The secret is to stay childish.

Gary Ryan Blair, author, wrote: “Learning is about more than simply acquiring new knowledge and insights; it is also crucial to unlearn old knowledge that has outlived its relevance. Thus, forgetting is probably at least as important as learning.” Be childish in your curiosity. See the world with new eyes. Remember the words of Richard Farson, author and educator: “We overlook what we take for granted. Billions of tea drinkers observed the force of steam escaping from water boiling in a kettle before James Watt realized that this vapor could be converted into energy.” Be the one who sees the world through the eyes of a child. Be the one who dares to dream the unimaginable. Be the who changes the world because you choose to be untethered to ideas and thoughts whose time have passed. Life is so very good. And have fun doing it.

Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!

Mike

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