I Got It!  (A challenge for the New Year!)

Posted on December 25, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

“The difference between who you are today and who you will be in five years will be determined by the books you read and the people you associate with.” – Charles Jones

In this New Year, there will be two primary sources for gaining new ideas which might impact your life in a powerful and meaningful way - they are the books you read and the people you meet. Yet while exposing yourself to new ideas is important, understanding how to incorporate those ideas into your life is even more important. Our growth does not come from intellectually understanding a creative insight, but in being sure we systematically integrate that insight into our life - in a manner which indeed changes our thinking and behavior.

So what happens when you come across a compelling and inspiring idea through a book, magazine article, or person you meet? Do you have a method for translating ideas into action?

Over two thousand years ago, the philosopher Aristotle taught that we “grow into our success.” As an artist increasingly learns how to use the tools of their craft, each of us grows into our success as we intentionally incorporate these new and learned truths into our lives.

Let me ask you this: In the past year, how many books have you read? Can you name one idea from from a book that has been incorporated into your leadership style or personal life? Has there been one idea that has now become second nature to you?

* As you journey this coming year, continue to utilize more effective systems to gather and keep the new ideas you come across. Then regularly review them, and make decisions regarding how to best incorporate them into your everyday life and practice. In this New Year, do not to miss the opportunities of growth that will cross your path.