As we continue our discussion about the D.R.I.V.E acronym, we come to the R which stands for readiness for lifelong learning. One of my favourite all time inspirational posters is called Sharpen the Saw–Renew and Enhance the greatest asset you have–YOU!!! In case you want to purchase the poster it looks like the following image.

I am 57 years old and have acquired a lot of formal learning—a BA, Bed, and Masters.  But although my formal learning may be over, I continue to learn.  I read on average a book a week, not to mention periodicals and other content.  I also learn a lot from good movies.  In the last few years, I have added audible.com to my list of subscriptions where I can actually learn by listening to books, as well as reading them.

There’s no question that we gain momentum in life when we apply ourselves to learning.  Individuals and leaders can read themselves out of a rut. I know. It’s happened to me many times when I have hit a slump. Leaders are learners and learners are leaders.  As one of my mentors used to say, “I’d rather have my students drink from a running stream than from a stagnant pool.”  Pretty good idea.

Jesus calls us to ‘learn of Him’ (Matthew 11:28-30) and the ancient book of wisdom called Proverbs urges us to apply ourselves to learning, a wise person will hear and increase their learning, and a righteous person will pursue learning, and even buy it.

The first daily practice of my life is the practice of devotion. It’s the first act of my day.  I practice devotion through reading the Scriptures, meditating, journaling and prayer, for in the great commandment Jesus says, to love the Lord your God with all your heart.” The first discipline of most of my days is a heart discipline.  Heart is character.  It is who I am; It’s the offering I have.  My greatest offering is to give myself back to God every day.

The second part of the commandment is to love the Lord your God with your entire mind.” The second discipline of my day is the exercise of my mind. After an hour or so of devotion, I also invest a half hour to an hour of reading strategically.  I need this time to stretch my mind but also to acquire knowledge that I can use for my life and work.  This is the practice of lifelong learning.

To simplify my thought on lifelong learning, I do three things,

1.  Read

2. Observe

3. Do

I am always reading something. I have just finished over several months two 1000 page novels by Ken Follett. I found this exercise not only entertaining, but stimulating to my understanding of history and the construction of cathedrals.

Observing includes watching people who can be examples to me in a variety of areas.  I love to observe other coaches and people builders, and how they go about inspiring people to be their best for God.

I also learn best through doing. For example. Blogging. I  never thought I would be able to be a ‘blogger’ and with a bit of coaching from my sons I have been able to begin a blog.

Who knows what else I’ll learn this year? And how about you? What are you planning to learn in 2011 to continue your momentum for life?