Never stopping the learning process, always keeping the mind open to new ideas, keeping that thirst for discovering something new could be a key to staying young. There are numerous articles and studies out now validating this very idea.
The degeneration of the brain is far from inevitable. "Its design features are such that it should continue to function for a lifetime," says Zaven Khachaturian, Ph.D., director of the Alzheimer's Association's Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. . . So what's the secret to keeping our brains agile and fit? Activity seems to be the key. In fact, mental and physical challenges are both strongly connected to cerebral fitness. . . Education also seems to enhance brain function.
Making our Minds Last, Katherine Grieder, Jill Niemark, Psychology Today
The brain is like a muscle: Use it or lose it. Today's research offers evidence showing that taking steps to protect your brain can prevent a decreased memory and slowed wit. Mental exercise is crucial. It begins when parents read to their children. But it is never too late to stimulate the brain.
Medical World Search,Ifay Chang, Ph.D
How often in the automotive world have we become complacent in our belief we have a thorough knowledge of our business? Do we challenge ourselves by trying to learn more about that which is unfamiliar to us – like the internet or how an online customer thinks or what it takes to be at the top of a search engine or a myriad of other topics related to the new online world?
Education may be the long-sought-after fountain of youth. After decades of studies, researchers continue to find that those who keep their minds engaged in active education live longer and stave off the ravages of aging, such as memory loss and lethargy. . . Only two decades ago, most physicians and researchers felt that aging and its deleterious effects on the brain were inevitable. However, these recent findings offer hope to maintaining lifelong mental health. The Alzheimer's Association now sponsors "Maintain Your Brain" workshops throughout the country, encouraging people to stay physically and intellectually active. The workshop advises people to “enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college[,] or other community group."
Ongoing Learning Increases Longevity, Gabby Hyman
One should never stop learning. Keeping your mind open to options does not mean you have to take every thought and act upon it. But by spending the time, effort and money to learn, to educate oneself on the new and different will allow for more intelligent decisions about the direction to take. Chance favors the prepared mind. One can research new ideas, new ways of doing business, new methods for attacking everyday issues so that when an opportunity does avail itself, they will be ready.
Think about how this applies to your business. If you have reached a sense of comfort in your position or your business it may keep you from learning and expanding. Remember, chance favors the prepared mind.
As an example, what do you know about the following internet marketing topics:
- Blogging – do you blog? Maybe you should
- Podcasting – ready for primetime?
- RSS feeds – the wick has been lit
- Viral Marketing – one to many not one to one
- White hat – an ethical hacker?
Find an internet topic, an online skill, an area of virtual knowledge unfamiliar to you and do the research to learn more about it. Expand your mind and keep yourself young.
