Can you believe we’re in August already?

August means it’s time to go back to school for students all over the country, including here in Georgia. So today, I want to talk about why YOU should be going back to school with the kids!

I don’t mean that literally, of course.

But I do believe that everyone should strive to constantly be gaining knowledge or mastery through experience or study.

You have probably heard the quote, “Experience is a great teacher.” Many of us have learned throughout our lives from both personal and professional experiences. The problem with learning only from experiences is that you can’t plan for or control all of your experiences. So, while we will still learn a great deal from experiences, the best way we can truly plan for and actively seek out opportunities for learning is to study.

Wait, did Celeste just tell me to study?

Yes, I did.

I am going to ask you to be a student of you – to improve and invest in YOURSELF. This time, you are the subject, and you get to create your own lessons.

This is one of the most valuable ways you can spend your time, and especially if business is slower than usual, now might be the ideal time to invest in your continued improvement.

Many fields require continuing education (CE) – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, teachers, accountants, engineers, architects, pilots… – so that professionals stay up to date on the newest developments in their field of expertise.

But continuous learning has many additional benefits, including:

1. Increasing your income potential.
2. Improving your problem-solving skills.
3. Widening your social and professional network.
4. Making you more creative.
5. Increasing your confidence.
6. Improving your marketability.

This is why investing in your continuing education is one of the challenges I give my Celeste Giordano Coaching clients year in and year out – to constantly focus on learning – and I encourage you to challenge yourself in the same way.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment. Here are a few easy ways that you can continue to learn every day:

1. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and decide on an area of improvement that you can focus on. It doesn’t have to be a big undertaking like learning the rules of accounting. It could be something as simple as learning how to use Google Sheets to keep better track of your business expenses. Step out of your comfort zone and tackle an area that has always stumped or challenged you.
2. Make a commitment to learning as an investment in yourself. Schedule for learning time weekly on your calendar, and keep the appointment with yourself to invest in yourself just like you would a meeting with a client.
3. Find learning resources. Whatever topic you choose, there are bound to be a variety of resources out there to learn in the way that best suits you and the subject. Here are a few suggested ways to learn:

• Read a book (or listen to the book on Audible) – One of my favorite books is Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. Challenge yourself to read one book a month. If you tackle that challenge, up your game to 2 books per month.
• Listen to a podcast – The world of business podcasts has exploded in recent years. Look for one from a trusted voice in the industry or field you are learning about.
• Take a course – Many folks avoid public speaking, for example, but to build your confidence, why not take a public speaking course at a local community college or online?
• Consult with a professional – There are many experts who can teach you by working with them. A couple that you might not initially consider are a professional photographer and image consultant. I’ve learned a great deal of personalized information from both of mine.
• Join a mastermind group – Working with a group affiliated with a business coach can help you identify areas for improvement and the group can grow together. I would love for you to join my group so we can learn from each other!

I am currently accepting new applicants to join my Silver Council Program, which includes a Mastermind. Join before the end of the summer so you can close 2023 as a strong and PROFITABLE year.

Our current mastermind group members are driven business leaders you can collaborate with, tackle challenges with, learn from, and network with – the benefits are truly limitless.

Find out more about the Silver Council Program and Mastermind, and if you’re ready to get results, apply to join now.

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus™” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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