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:
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.
I have spent most of this July 4th weekend teaching myself JOOMLA - a website development tool that will allow greater flexibility for managing websites I develop and to incorporate Web 2.0 technologies. It is a powerful tool and is going to take me a while to master it but my early blush is it will be well worth it!
I have also developed an ABMALL Social Networking site that I hope to populate with business associates from the auto industry, my own personal contacts and from the various other social networks I belong to. Hoping that by gathering others who have an interest in Internet Marketing, we will all gain some knowledge.
I love the learning I have been doing this weekend. I recall writing an article that appeared in Digital Dealer about how keeping the mind active, engaged and challenged has shown to be an anti-aging component. Now, I will not admit to feeling younger but the mental stimulation and challenges to add a zip to my step.