Do you know what freaks me out about being able to know anything there is to know in the world just by asking? It’s that I get stumped sometimes on what to ask. I’ve got a free minute and magnificent power in my hand with that little device…and I revert to checking email and social media.
In the words of Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls the football away, Aghh!
How to Stay Current
Last week’s guest on Intercultural Spark, Larry Minsky, talked about how to stay relevant by staying current. He pointed out, however, that staying relevant is out of your control. That’s how other people may or may not perceive you. But staying current is in your control.
How do you learn new things, every day?
- For Larry, he learns by doing deep research on topics that he’s curious about and in conversation with his students where he teaches in the digital media department at Columbia College Chicago.
- For Chris Brogan (one of the people I learn from regularly), he reads at least one thing by someone smarter than him every day—and purposely seeks out people who are in different fields.
- My friend Kris, who is a media spokesperson and self-proclaimed news junkie, sets up news alerts from multiple sources on her phone.
Pick It and Stick It
I’m talking about your learning plan, Deanna. Pick what works for you and stick with it until it doesn’t work anymore. I can use some of Larry’s approach of research and talking to young people, and I subscribe to Chris’ newsletter and follow him on social media to see what he’s learning. Kris’ approach works fabulously for her. For me, the constant dinging on my phone with updates would spaz my brain.
Start by focusing on what you want to know, or more importantly (back to the question of relevance) what do you NEED to know to follow where your industry is going? For me that’s subscribing to WIRED Magazine—all about what’s happening in tech and AI now and where it’s going. Adweek is a reliable source for news on cool things happening in communications technology. It also gives me ideas for other writers to follow.
What Do You Want to Know? How Will You Learn It?
There is so much to know now it can be overwhelming. But not learning new things means not growing. With the changing economy meaning longer careers, a commitment to lifelong learning is critical.
What’s something new and exciting you’ve learned lately? Who do you follow or read regularly?