Will I Learn?

Am I teachable?

I suspect we neglect this question by focusing on our capacity to learn. Hence, we would rather look for an easy out by asking "Can I learn?"

Let's ignore our capacity to learn for a more fundamental issue, "Will I learn?" Thus, am I humble enough to seek out and accept wise counsel?

One mark of wisdom is a discerning character. Unfortunately, we're often totally unfocused. ?proverbsforprofessionals.net

Three Negative Behaviors

Ok, what are some common behaviors that block our learning?

Let's discuss three that can start early in life, then take root for years to follow.

What follows are three negative behaviors that contribute to our unwillingness to learn. All are very common.

These three are drawn from the Book of Proverbs: the Simple, the Scorner, and the Over-confident.

First,?the simple-minded are na?ve . Why? Because they believe everything they’re told (Proverbs 14.15 ). Worse yet, they lack foresight (Proverbs 22.3 ).

Maybe you have this person for a friend; they're life is a continual dumpster fire!

Second, are the scorners. They are the know-it-alls (Proverbs 9.8 ). Thus, they’re unteachable (Proverbs 13.1 ).

I suspect you've worked with this person! Perhaps you've asked them this question: "How's that working out for you?"

Third, are the overconfident. They lack discernment (Proverbs 8.5 ), are troublemakers (Proverbs 10.23 ), and are self-deceived (Proverbs 14.8 ). In addition, they lack focus (Proverbs 17.24 ). Unfortunately, they get angry and push ahead in situations where the wise are cautious (Proverbs 14.16 ).

Leaders who are like this, who are foolishly overconfident, can produce deadly outcomes for a business unit.

Personal growth is inside-out. We discover, develop, and demonstrate our purpose-driven self so we can Live With Purpose On Purpose!? proverbsforprofessionals.net

Where Does This Leave Me?

I ignore the call of wisdom in my life by being a believe-it-all, or a know-it-all, or a do-it-all.

Wise counsel is available to me if I will ask, but I refuse.

Sometimes, we need to ask ourselves the question: "How's that working out for you?!"

Becoming wise-hearted isn’t easy because it involves self-reflection, plus it demands change. Therefore, I will remain stuck with one or more of these negative behaviors as long as I refuse to change WHO I am and WHAT I do!

Finally, building wisdom into my life is a slow process. It takes a lifetime!

A Question: If you've been here, what did you do to lose this negative behavior?

To read my blog version of this LinkedIn article follow this link .