“Being a life-learner is an indispensable characteristic of being successful.”

– Darla D Hancock, The Social Market LLC

Although I think the ability to be a life-learner is developed growing up, as an adult it becomes a mind-set, a process.

I consider a “life-learner’ as someone who…

Is willing to routinely examine their abilities, wants and purpose
Prepared to listen to others and adjust deficiencies
Prepared to lead others and give compliments
Values the unknown
Doesn’t rule out opportunities
Confident in their own interests, gifts and talents
Has perseverance and ingenuity

How do I think being a life-learner is part of the process of entrepreneurship? It trains you to…

Always be open to different ideas
Try new ideas, or at least consider new ideas
Consider strange ideas
Share brilliant ideas, even brilliant ideas can be improved
Accept bad ideas.

Now, part of being a life-learner is the intuition, patience, self-control and decisiveness to make observations – making decisions based on the information you have around you [not to just take everything that comes your way].

But, since one person cannot know everything about an industry or business, it is a necessity to learn. Learn from other’s successes and knowledge. Learn from other’s mistakes. Learn from your own successes, stumbling-blocks, rejections and failures. Even the most inventive concepts can be elevated with a sliver of input from a different mind-set – yours or someone else’s. It’s up to you to consider if you’ll take advantage of all the possibilities available to you.