Listening and learning are keys to growth
What sages do you know?
I am fortunate to sit down regularly with several sages. By this term, I mean people much older than I who have generated and experienced significant success in life. In a variety of areas such as career, family, spiritual, and more, I learn from them.
But here’s an interesting observation. The sages I know are more likely to ask questions, than they are to spout off their knowledge ad nauseam. They inquire about my thoughts and processes. And I am learning to keep these responses brief and to reply with questions of my own.
I am genuinely fascinated with people in the final quartile of their lives. Almost invariably, these commonalities seem to emerge:
1. They had some sort of adversity at some point in their lives, or often adversity that persisted for years.
2. They engage spiritual resources proactively.
3. They are insatiably curious and they are still learning.
4. They value their social networks of friends.
5. They still find ways to be of service to others.
These are not the only traits that I notice, but these five present important aspects of character. And so, I will continue to connect with sages in my circle.
How about you?
Worth Repeating
A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.
-John Maxwell
