In the twilight of his life, the great Michelangelo uttered his immortal words, “ANCORA IMPARO” – “Yet, I am still learning!” A mantra he held dear, shared by his brilliant rival, Leonardo DaVinci. Centuries later, their wisdom resonates more profoundly than ever.
Picture it – two extraordinary minds, Italy’s luminaries, shaping the world with their boundless ideas, united in their pursuit of perpetual learning. This indomitable spirit of growth knows no age, gender, education, or circumstance. Research proves it: we all possess the power of continuous learning, a never-ending adventure awaiting those brave enough to embark.
Consider this: why do so many retirees, having relinquished the pursuit of knowledge, find their minds and bodies faltering? For, you see, halting the journey of learning is a choice – a choice that can manifest at any stage of life. Time and again, I encounter struggling businesses and sales teams trapped in survival mode. Their ailment? A congregation of souls who’ve relinquished the joy of learning, anchored in a stagnant ego.
In my workshops, I’ve encountered those resistant to growth, self-proclaimed “pros” who boast thirty years of experience. But are they truly seasoned veterans, or have they merely repeated a year’s worth of knowledge thirty times over? The champions and victors are those who understand the unending scope for skill refinement, the knowledge that learning has no endpoint.
Alas, some surrender to fear and failure, collapsing under the weight of a single mistake, allowing it to shatter their careers and dreams. A life ensnared in the fear of making another blunder spells doom for success. In contrast, lifelong learners recognize that the past doesn’t dictate the future. Each mistake, is a stepping stone to improvement, a chance to uncover hidden truths and embrace growth.
Embrace the essence of “ANCORA IMPARO” – an Italian adage you may not master fluently, but you’ll grasp the essence of everlasting triumph. This, my friends, is the enduring lesson of the ages, a testament to the unyielding power of continuous learning.
In your journey through life, make Michelangelo’s wisdom your guide, and let the passion for learning light your path to a lifetime of success and fulfillment.
