Using the Resources You Already Have

In this space each week I recommend a resource to you. Sometimes they are free, sometimes not.  Occasionally they are for our products and services, but usually not. (In fact, I have had people tell me these blog posts are very expensive because of all the books and resources they buy based on my recommendations!).

In every case, my goal is to make you aware of tools, techniques and ideas to help you move forward as a leader, professional and human being.

Today the recommendation I needed to share became obvious as I looked at the desk in my home office.  See that stack of books?  (If we had been in my office at the Remarkable House there would be several stacks, taller than this one). That view provided the inspiration for today’s post.

Here is my recommendation.

Look at your most pressing business goal or objective, or think about your current learning goal.  Ask yourself, what do I need to be learning right now to be more effective and reach my goals?

Then, look at your existing stack of books, materials and un-viewed bookmarked sites.  Chances are you have resources right in front of you that you haven’t taken advantage of.

A few weeks ago, someone asked me what book I would recommend on time management.  My answer was the one already on your shelf.  Pick it up, read it (again perhaps), but most importantly, apply what you learned.

Chances are, if you are reading this post you have resources on your desk, on your shelf or on your computer that you haven’t utilized yet. So here are the easy (and cost effective) steps:

1.    Review your goals.

2.    Find what you have that applies, whether you have read it yet or not.

3.    Read it.

4.    Apply what you read.

Even if it is a book or resource you have read before, reading it now, with your current learning focus, will bring new insights and ideas (and might remind you of things you tried before that worked, but you haven’t continued doing).

Next week I’ll be back here suggesting something new to put on your shelf.  The resource I recommend today is one you already have.  Pick it up and read it.