September 23rd, 2009
by Pamela Sherman
It takes "Education, Motivation, and Application" to achieve great heights!
It’s a relief and a thrill to be working with my Web Marketing Therapy (WMT) team of marketers. As savvy educators, they “get it.” They understand how people and organizations learn and grow. After our team conference call this morning, I was reminded (by Lorrie Thomas as she spoke of education and motivation) of something timeless I learned years ago in my teacher-training days. —The secret to achieving valuable learning and growth requires a 3-pronged approach. Like 3 pillars, no one element can stand alone:
EDUCATION * MOTIVATION * APPLICATION
EDUCATION
Look, the one constant in life we can really count on is change. –This means we have to be constantly thinking and learning on our feet. But, if we’re proactive and ambitious, it’s best to say “YES” to greater educational learning, training, and advisory. This helps with today’s business climate as it meets the age-old “survival of the fittest!” We need to strive to be as smart as we can be –with hindsight, insight, and foresight (and web-site). We all know that real and practical education is key… But how do we DO IT??? …I’ve learned it takes a combination of things to engage in effective learning.
MOTIVATION
Motivation is a critical ingredient. How else do we find the energy to do anything beyond the daily grind? We need to tap into the power of emotion (which is energy + motion) to start and stick to our goals of education and growth.
Knowing ourselves and tapping our psyche for what we know stimulates our growth and success is highly important. The better we know ourselves, the more successful we’ll be (it’s really true). Think about what keeps you most motivated. Motivation can come in many forms: group support systems, measurable task lists for accomplishment, imposed reward systems, visualization, coaching, competition, a sense of play, hands-on doing, reading, etc. With whatever new goal you’ve set, be sure to incorporate a process that works best for you.
Even fear and worry can be turned into motivation correctly (just don’t linger in the negative debilitated part of those emotions) — you can transform them into something positive. Just think… If you have the ability to visualize all these bad things, you can use the same talent to visualize good. Put your mind, imagination, and knowledge of how to manipulate your emotions toward success.
Of course, it’s important to realize that the motivational process is most effective when it’s an enjoyable experience! -It goes against our nature to engage in things we continually dislike. At WMT, we believe learning IS fun –we integrate that into much of what we do, as educators, advisors, and managers.
APPLICATION
Learning really goes beyond cerebral thinking and talking. Almost everyone can attest, we learn most by doing!
Not all education and learning can be applied the same way to any person, life, organization, or product. We have to apply what fits and works best for us. We need to apply valuable customization. Don’t just fall into a cookie-cutter application of what others are doing. Apply your own purpose; tie in with your larger vision, goals and unique distinction. Express yourself, your company and product. Incorporate personality and have fun –it’s very contagious!
wildmarketingchiquita
(September 25th, 2009 at 11:56 am)
Wow Pamela–GREAT post! I LOVE IT!!! This kind of inspiration is exactly what people need in order to keep the momentum going–as Lorrie would say!
Keep up with these awesome posts!
Pamela Sherman
(September 28th, 2009 at 12:37 pm)
Thanks Wei! –It’s pretty easy to keep the inspiration flowing in the middle of a great and supportive team.