I was thinking the other day about how things have changed because of technological improvements. I was a fortunate kid because we had a television in our home in the early 50’s (yes that dates me a bit). In order to enjoy color on our black and white set, my Dad placed a plastic screen over the television screen and the top was blue the bottom was green and the middle was yellow. It enhanced a lot of shows back then, especially the westerns. Dick Tracy was my favorite character in the Sunday comic section. I remember him having a watch with a radio or telephone and television screen on it. One of those things I thought I would never see – something only in the comic book environment. Of course since then, man has been to the moon and we have, or will have, watches with the capability of 4G streaming video. As thrilling as the landing on the moon was to me – I was in boot camp and the Drill Instructor got all of us up to watch the actual landing – the technology didn’t impress me – it was expected. What did impress me was the America’s Cup Races in Perth, Australia in 1987. I could watch live coverage around the world from the boats.
Computer processing has grown and continues to expand annually. Access to the Internet around the world is relatively easy to find. So, what does this have to do with your personal development? In the old days, you had the option of reading a book, going to a conference or finding a mentor. None of them guaranteed you prosperity, but they did provide a level of personal development. As always, you actually have to take action to improve. Today, the cost and access to the tools for personal development are astounding. Most information is free – by using the Internet or through electronic newsletters or even on business radio stations. I-pods allow you to record audio training so that you can take it with you anywhere in the world. Mp4 capability allows you to see video training classes also. Everything is literally at your fingertips.
The fact that so much stuff is available so easily makes it more difficult for some people. They are overwhelmed with data. I get that way every so often. I read or listen to web designers, internet sales, product development, social networking, etc. I find that at times I do nothing but read or listen and take notes and nothing happens because I have my next teleconference scheduled at 1500 today – and another one at 1900 tonight. I don’t have time to do what I’m learning. I have to actually shut down my learning process to absorb what I have and begin actually doing the lessons I learned. I’m sure that is true for others. We get overloaded with data and can’t figure out where to start. I had a professor was an international finance course I took years ago. He warned all of us that he did not want a ‘core dump’ when we answered his test questions – this was way before Bill O’Reilly’s request for ‘pithy’ comments. My first opportunity to ‘show off’ the knowledge I learned in his class earned me a warning about approaching a core dump. I didn’t appreciate his comment till years later when I was evaluating essay answers to test questions.
Technology provides you with easier access to the information. You have to decide what you want; and, more importantly, how and when you are going to use it. Think about what you to improve in your life – your own personal development plan. There are lots of topics – self-esteem, goal setting, affirmations, visualizations, expectations, reprogramming your subconscious, time management, positive thinking, relationships, balance in life, etc. Decide what you want to work on first and then begin looking at the free stuff available to you. Internet searches are a good place to start. Article sites provide a lot of information. I recommend that people go to YouTube and do a search there. A lot of people prefer to see and hear to learn. I find that way acceptable, but I still like to read.
Technology helps because so many things are now available at our beck and call. Technology hinders us because it overpowers us to a point that we defer to taking little or no action. You have to take action to prove the knowledge you learned is of value to you. It’s those mistakes and failures that actually make you a better person if you learn by them. Technology can accelerate your race to prosperity, a better you and give you a better lifestyle if you plan in advance and take action on a regular basis.
Choices have consequences. Your Prosperity Professor, Red O’Laughlin
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