Dear Friend,

 

This time of year, thousands of proud parents watch as their child dons a cap and gown and walks across a stage to earn their diploma or degree.  I had the opposite experience this week.  It's not too often that the kid gets to watch their parent walk across the stage.  But a few days ago, I had such a privilege.  I was the proud daughter who watched as my dad walked across the stage.  He spent the last year earning a master's degree - something he's wanted to do for some time.  One of my signature strengths is love of learning, and perhaps it's a trait I inherited from him.  This week, I want to encourage you to keep learning.
 
You might not want to go back to academia to earn a degree, but I bet there is something you've been curious about.  Whether it's learning to play golf or cook a gourmet meal, picking up a new skill at work or venturing onto a whole new career path, it's never too late to learn something new.  Learning new things enriches your life with new experiences, and research shows it strengthens your brain - making your later years more productive and enjoyable.
 
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut of believing that this is all there is to your life.  But the opportunity to learn means the opportunity to grow - to become more than you've previously been.  So shake things up a bit.  Do something you haven't done before.  Pursue a long-held dream.  Get outside your comfort zone.  Keep on learning!
 
My challenge to you:
Make a commitment to learn something new this year.
 
Journaling question:
What is it time for you to learn?  What have you been curious about?  When will you start?

Until next time ...

Warm wishes,

P.S. Encourage your friends and family by sharing this newsletter and invite others to subscribe! Just send them to www.valorieburton.com, where they can enter their email address on the home page.

Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule and Reconnect with What Matters Most. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.

Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. The Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. Copyright (c) 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. www.valorieburton.com.