Can You Admit You Don’t Know Everything?

Does admitting you don’t know something make you uncomfortable?  That is a good thing.  Is it hard to admit you don’t know something?  Believe me, I know the feeling.  I was a straight A student. That, however, may be as much of a curse, as a blessing! Everyone always expected (and expects) me to know the answers.  It is so hard for me to say (especially to my children), “I don’t know, let’s study this or let’s research this,” because it means I have to admit I don’t know everything. However, as my children have grown, I have learned so much more from them than I could ever have taught them.  Thankfully, they have the thirst for learning and a great deal of patience for their mom. So let’s explore how you can add to your current wisdom. Answer these questions:

1. Can you attend a seminar?  There are many free seminars in your community as well as many wonderful courses that can open your mind to new opportunities. I find unexpected rewards as I have shown up at events. I’m personally grateful for people that make me think!  As you experience the speaker’s education and the energy of the participants, notice how your mind is opened to new ideas. You may gain clarity or come up with a new idea simply because your brain is relaxed or because you’re removed from your normal stressful environment.
2. Can you make the time today to change your future?  Another option I share with people who just can’t find that one hour a day, is to look at your week.  Can you have a babysitter lined up to take your children somewhere fun while you attend a seminar? You may not only learn something that will change your life, you may also meet the people waiting to be your mentors or future business partners!
3. Do you know what tools you need?  I heard a speaker share the story of a lumberman who cut down 5 trees on his first day on the job. The lumberman was jazzed! On the second day, he got to the forest two hours earlier, determined to do even better. However he was only able to cut down 4 trees.  His answer on the third day was to get up even earlier, and to work even harder.  What was his result on the third day?  He only cut down 3 trees. He had determination and took action. His only problem was that he didn’t take time to prepare properly and sharpen his ax. How does this relate to you? Your ax is your mind!  Sharpen it by learning not only new subject matter but by meeting people who will not only challenge you, but support you along your way.

Remember, you plant seeds of your future today. As you make better choices today, you change the course of your future. Continue to learn how to improve your finances, reduce debt and get more value from your precious time. As you look in the mirror with honesty and take action toward a positive future, don’t miss seeing that you are someone who can change the world! We’d love to hear from you what action you’ve taken and what result that created. Please share with us so we can support you in reaching your goals. Pay Your Family First is a company dedicated to providing financial education for families. Our goal is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and a love for learning. Join us! www.payyourfamilyfirst.com. – – – – – – Sharon Lechter CEO – Pay Your Family First Co-author of Three Feet From Gold and Rich Dad Poor Dad Member of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy Member of the National CPA’s Commission on Financial Literacy of the AICPA.