Are we there yet?

Wisdom

Are we there yet?

Confucius once said that there were three ways to gain wisdom: "First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Wisdom can, but not always, comes with age. How does one go about becoming wise? The continuous application of the right knowledge leads to wisdom. Today we will dig into Confucius quote so we can digest the wisdom packed into it.

1.      Mistakes. Reflection. Learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. Take full responsibility for our mistakes.

2.      Failures. Reflection. A failure is never final unless we don’t learn anything. Persist enough to manage the frustrations that comes from failures. Focus brings the passion to get better and better. Simplify things and stay within the realm of your endeavors.

3.      Network. Imitation. Get the proper perspective from mentors. Master the ability to ask open ended questions to learn from others. Admit faults and stay open minded for learning from others. Be observant of ways others approach things.

4.      Practice. Experience. Be a sponge to learn from the experiences of others. Always be hungry and curious. Read widely and deeply. Have the humility to learn from those around you.

5.      Mastery. Imitation. Learn through the power of repetition. Seek vast experiences. Use all the senses. Learn to see what others can’t see. Use the mind to see the future.

6.      Crisis. Experience. The greatest learnings come when we are at the brink of despair. Think then act. Unlearn and relearn forever.

7.      Solitude. Reflection. Use silence to quiet the mind. Use meditation to get in touch with yourself. Trust your inner voice.

Thank you for reading and reflecting on today’s nuggets. Share them with others.   

We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. Be a giver in a world of takers.

Be blessed and be a blessing to others.

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx

Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)

Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy