Five Authors that changed my lens of the world.

Changing my view of lifelong learning by realizing I didn't know what I didn't know. 

I have always wondered why humans are the way we are. What builds our beliefs, values, and understanding of how the world works, and how come there are so many differences? 

Research shows that our brain is a large part of that equation. The brain is fascinating. Neuroscientists continue to learn new things, even today. Human neuroplasticity has become of interest to me over the last few years. Neuroplasticity is defined as the area that explores the brain's capability to reorganize itself throughout life. Researchers investigate how experiences and environmental factors influence brain plasticity and how this process can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. 

The authors I discuss in this article have specifically impacted my cognitive filters which involve interpreting information to make sense of the world. Each one of them has presented new concepts that sparked my curiosity and challenged my way of thinking. 

As I was learning these new concepts, each author had their approach to moving through the world. Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Michelle Obama, Adam Grant, and Amy Porterfield have different approaches to their work. I noticed a pattern and some similarities I will share in a moment with you. These authors share self-discoveries that resulted from personal struggles or research they have done. As I read through each of their books I had this sense of "Oh this is so good, I want other people to know this too!" As you embark on your journey of self-discovery, I encourage you to do the same. 

Self-discovery or self-improvement is often seen as a woo concept. In my experience, self-discovery is a process to empower your mind and your body to move through the world with more control. Ultimately, we all share the same end, so how we choose to experience the world can have a lasting impact on our time, for ourselves, and those around us.

Three common concepts below were common themes among these authors. I identify how these concepts have changed me over the last year to help you determine ways you can utilize them in your own life. 

• Communication 

• Focus 

• Vision

• Values

First, is communication, everyone uses it. Nature intended for us to communicate to survive. We are highly intelligent and able to adapt our communication based on the environment (i.e. language, culture, etc.) Our brain is advanced enough to adapt to different types of communication to allow us to thrive. We communicate in several ways (i.e. verbal, non-verbal, internal, external, etc.) Both verbal and non-verbal cues communicate simultaneously to others. We also process communication and interpret information differently (i.e. neuroplasticity).

The most important piece for me, I've learned, is my thoughts. What I tell myself has an impact on how I move through the world. Our thoughts are very powerful. Thoughts tell us what is happening in every situation whether consciously or subconsciously. Our thoughts also help us to interpret what others are communicating to us as well. Michelle Obama discusses internal thoughts in her book The Light We Carry. Her words were impactful. 

"How you view yourself becomes everything. It's your foundation, the starting point for changing the world around you." - Michele Obama 

Second, focus and vision. Without these, we lack direction or purpose in our lives. Focus and vision allow us to organize our thoughts into action. Vision is defined as a complex and sophisticated sensory process that also allows us to interpret and make sense of visual information. Focus refers to the ability to concentrate on a specific task without being easily distracted. Obstacles will always exist, but vision and focus allow us to create a plan for when those inevitably show up. 

Simon Sinek talks about the type of focus we should have in The Infinite Game. He explains that the long term should be your focus and your vision should include the bigger picture, not just the small gains. He also talks about a just cause and that should be your purpose and lead to your vision or focus. I realized after reading this book, that what I do is more than just for me, it is about how I can impact others and inspire them to do the same. Find what your infinite game is, and learn how to continue playing. 

" When we play the finite game, we play the game to win... The motivation to play in an infinite game is completely different - the goal is not to win, but to keep playing. " - Simon Sinek

Finally, values, what are they? Values are defined as fundamental beliefs and principles that guide an individual's behavior, decision-making, and priorities. In evaluating my values I've realized they change and fluctuate over time. I also realized when reading Adam Grant's book Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Didn't Know that my values are different than my beliefs. Grant talks about putting on a pair of scientific goggles to view other people's perspectives. He challenges us to look at the world like a scientist, prepared to see the truth, not what we hypothesize or hope to see. 

"Thinking like a scientist involves more than just reacting with an open mind. It means being actively open-minded. It requires searching for reasons why we might be wrong- not for reasons why we must be right revising our views based on what we learn." -Adam Grant

Another value that is important to me is to have courage.  Brene Brown discusses in her book Daring Greatly the power of being vulnerable and what that can do for you in being seen as human. The courage it takes to step into who you are can be frightening, but with some of her tools, that courage is a bit more accessible. 

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness." -Brene Brown

Sometimes in life, we decide to make changes and are challenged by where to start or how to move through change. I encourage you to simply take the next step to finding what you want by asking just that. What do I want?

Amy Porterfield discusses how to find what you value in the process of leaving your job to start a business. She encourages you to lean into what makes you unhappy with your current situation (i.e. overwhelm, frustration, and general unhappiness) and use them to your advantage. Porterfield says to identify what you value. You first need to learn what you don't want and why. Diving deeper into those areas of your life will reveal what you need. 

"Continual frustration, overwhelm, resentment, and generalized unhappiness are your allies here. See them as your guides in this process. They shine a light not what's not working for you right now so that you can address each of those struggles with a solution" - Amy Porterfield 

Each of these concepts has impacted my life in various ways. So much that I am now writing this blog to help others learn what works for them. Developing an understanding of communication, and the power that comes with it, has given me the courage to step into a new profession I never dreamed of pursuing. It has also given me the strength to know that I am capable and so are you!  

Determining my values and where I want to focus has given me direction and purpose with the realization that there will always be things that I don't know and that is part of the fun. Or a journey, since it's not always fun!

What I value in life is more solidified. I know what I want and the steps I need to take to achieve greatness. Hopefully, this blog provides you with some inspiration to do the same. I'm still learning, hopefully, you will be too. 

Take that next step, you never know what you might find for yourself. Check out our website for additional resources or tools to connect with yourself or the ones you love. 

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