Stacking Skills

“If you don’t want to be a lifelong learner, I’m guessing you already know it all.” That’s a quote by a great person with the same name as myself and something I live by. If you don’t want to keep learning and growing and bettering yourself, I’m going to make the assumption that in all major aspects of your life there’s no room for improvement. When you look into the mirror, you say to yourself, “I’m the best version of myself that I can possibly be and there’s nothing for me to change or improve.” If that’s the case, you are an exceptional individual and have no need to keep reading this. But if you are like everyone I’ve ever encountered, feel free to keep reading.

In high school, I learned how to type. With rare exceptions, typing has been a skill I’ve needed on just about every job I have ever had. It’s also something that I use on a daily basis. Learning to type all those years ago helps with my writing today. To get out of my shell and become less of an introvert, I got a job waiting tables shortly after graduating from high school. As a result of that job, most of my career I’ve spent in some sort of “client facing” or “sales” related position. Those two skills are basically evergreen skills. I would also add the ability to communicate effectively.

When I think about the ideal version of myself from a professional viewpoint, I look at what it is I want to deliver. I then look at what skills I’ll need to develop and master in order to accomplish that. It’s part and parcel for lifelong learning. This journey of ours isn’t over. The Japanese Kaizen concept comes to mind. Slight or gradual improvements over long amounts of time make tremendous impacts. You’ve got time to grow and improve. Contemplate what it is you truly would like to accomplish or deliver. Determine what it is you want to deliver to the world and how you’ll add value. Once you’ve written those things down, figure out what skills you need to accomplish your tasks. When you’re looking at your list, start with the evergreen items first and build upon those.

Today, Monday, April 16, 2023, I am grateful that:

I got a chance to get some work done over the weekend. It wasn’t much, but at least I got something finished.

The freelancing platform updated my rating score. It’s been about three or four months since I joined the platform and I hadn’t been rated since joining. I’m hoping that having a perfect rating as a freelancer will get me invited to more positions and get my income flowing again.

Mark let me know about my rating status. It’s not something I would’ve checked and I’m happy he let me know.

Nick stopped by yesterday. It was cool being able to hang out for a bit. We got a chance to cover a variety of topics and it’s always refreshing to have conversations with someone I respect and admire.

Actions items are included in the list earlier.

Get started and let me know some of the things you’re undertaking.

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!