I don’t believe that we can advance our knowledge and skills in a vacuum. Can you imagine telling a child that the way to learn to ride a bike is to read a book on it? Or maybe have a doctor perform a surgery on you that they had read about in a book, but had never actually performed live?

Certainly, reading about how to do something is a part of the learning process, but there is more. Several years ago I decided that I would like to coach high school basketball. I read books and watched videos on coaching techniques.  These efforts helped me, but I had no experience in applying what I had learned.

I found that a local high school had hired someone who had coached a college division one basketball  program before moving into the area. I introduced myself to him, told him what I was after, and volunteered to help him with his team in exchange for the learning experience. He agreed and asked me to keep game stat’s on his players. One year later he got me into a head coaching position in another school.

Let’s be honest and admit that we all stand on the shoulders of others. Once this concept is embraced, we are free to evolve in our knowledge and skills. It is OK to admit that other individuals helped you along the way in your career or hobby.

So here is the plan. If you have an interest in a particular skill or knowledge area, you should certainly read as much as you can about it. The internet is a great place to find both text and video information. Next, find someone who is the most talented and approachable person you know in that skill or knowledge area, and hook up with them. Offer to help them in exchange for learning and experience. Then be diligent in fulfilling your side of the bargain, while at the same time learning as much as you can.

The result will be personal development and a friendship.  Sounds like a win/win situation to me.

One last story and a question. A current professional, and successful golfer, began his career by carrying another more experienced golfer’s clubs for an entire season. Two years later, the one who carried the clubs beat the more experienced golfer in a PGA tournament. Do some research and see who I am referring to.