I just finished up a three year stint as President of my soccer club. Only twenty-one years old when I put my hand up, parents and fellow board members must have been nervous. Hell, I was nervous. I’d gone from starting a company with a goal of making others care about something I was building, to taking over something that people already cared about.
In that three years I’ve learnt a hell of a lot. In my businesses, I made decisions by myself. In the soccer club environment, I had a board of six to work with. It taught me how to deal with differing opinions, when to be strong, the importance of letting go of ego and the joys of working with good people. I’ve learnt as much as a person from jumping into an unpaid role at the soccer club as I have through any traditional learning.
It got me thinking about the path I’ve taken to get to where I’m at today. What would I do differently? If someone was to ask me how I do what I do, what would I say?
How to cram 10 years worth of learning into 3
- Start a company. Better yet, start two.
- Read a book a month.
- Read a blog post a day.
- Become President of a sporting club.
- Travel to somewhere that makes you nervous every year.
Each suggestion teaches you different lessons. Each inspires you in different ways. Each is enjoyable in it’s own unique way.
How did you get the most out of yourself and your learning capacity?