I recently read of a study of ninety top leaders in a variety of fields. Interviewers were trying to determine just what it is that sets leaders apart. They discovered that those who rise to the top of their professions have the never-ending capacity to develop and improve their skills. In other words, leaders are perpetual learners.

But shouldn’t we always walk that path of learning? When do we feel as if we now know enough? When should personal growth end?

I once visited a friend who had just celebrated her 80th birthday. Jessie talked with much enthusiasm about a quilt she had recently finished making for her great-grandson. She wanted the center square to be special and asked him what picture he would like for that square. The little boy replied, “I want a turtle.”

Jessie had never made a turtle. “How about a dog?” She suggested. “Or a house? I can’t make a turtle.”

“Well, Gramma,” he said. “I think you’re old enough to learn.”

And she did! The finished quilt had a turtle right in the middle!

Jessie was especially proud of that quilt because she learned to do something new. And she discovered that he was right – she was old enough to learn!

Are you a perpetual learner? It’s part of building a whole and happy life.

Steve Goodier Life Support http://www.LifeSupportSystem.com