Your Greatest Asset
The human mind is no doubt one of the most fascinating parts of the human body. I’m constantly amazed by its capacity. Scientists say the mind can retain up to 4.7 billion books, that’s equivalent to 670 million webpages! Isn’t it amazing that every great invention you can think of began in someone’s mind? Think about it; from the prehistoric innovations of making tools from stone, wood and bones to the revolutionary inventions of wheels, papyrus, the compass and electricity; even to the more recent discoveries of computer technology, the Internet, the telephone and so on. All these have changed the course of history because the human mind was stretched.
Your mind is your greatest asset. You can either invest in it and expand its capacity, or waste it. If you are not deliberate about learning and acquiring knowledge, you will not fully harness its capacity. Most successful leaders know this, and they are committed to cultivating their minds through lifelong learning.
Take for example the former president of the United State of America, Barak Obama. He speaks often about the role reading played throughout his life. As a youth, reading books helped him figure out his identity and potentials. In fact, as the president of America, he blocked out an hour to read every day. About reading, he said; “Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible, from complex word problems and the meaning of our history to scientific discovery and technological proficiency.”
Bill Gates is another good example. He announced that he reads about 50 books a year, which translates to about one per week. It was said of him that “Just about every kind of book interested him – encyclopedias, science fiction, you name it.” He even publishes an annual list of his favourite books of the year.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” So here are 3 habits you should imbibe to continually develop your mind.
- Develop a reading habit
Joseph Addison, an English essayist, poet, playwright and politician said that “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Reading stretches the capacity of our minds which invariably improve our outlook to live. Personally, I try to improve myself by attempting to read at least 2 books every month. It’s not always fun but it’s a commitment I must keep; to become the best version of myself. You should make reading a habit too.
- Watch Educational Videos
The use of audiovisual materials for learning has been found to be beneficial as it makes concepts more easily understandable. It stimulates enjoyment, confidence and concentration while helping to overcome some physical difficulties. It’s one of the easiest ways to develop your mind. By taking time out to watch documentaries, scientific simulations, talk head videos, presentations or even news bulletins and interviews – we expose our minds to information we can easily comprehend.
- Share What You’ve Learned with Others
One of the most powerful ways to process knowledge acquired is by sharing it with others. You see, you don’t lose what you know by telling others – instead, it helps to improve comprehension. After all, capacity is both the ability to contain and produce. In the words of Maya Angeluo; “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” You should practise this regularly.
The famous physicist, Stephen Hawking said “In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.” If you keep investing in your mind, you will be amazed by what you can accomplish in your life.
Remember, You Have Only One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT.
