New Skill Acquisition...

Hi Team...

So, this was a very entertaining weekend.

The farm excitement continues as this weekend we brought home our first tractor.

A 1949 John Deere B tractor that is in amazing shape- and start right up!

What is interesting about this is that many farmers will tell you, when it comes to tractors and farm equipment, the older the better.

The older stuff was made to last forever. 

The manufacturers were focused on a great product, one that could last, rather than a turn and burn product like most products today.

This tractor is definitely a reflection of that mentality of the past.

The Built to Last mentality.

With that said, I had never driven a tractor before.

So, this great man, Rick, was giving me a lesson yesterday as this was the same tractor his grandfather taught him on.

Now, what does this tractor have to do with you?

Well, when was the last time you acquired a new skill?

Last week, I spoke about Activity Dependent Plasticity (click here if you didn't read about ADP) and how by doing new things, and experiencing new things, people, and environments, we actually form new pathways in the brain that lead to growth.

Yesterday was that day for me.

My first thought was: Do not crash!

Followed by, just listen and learn.

From that point, I was able to understand the mechanicals, how to shift, how to accelerate, stop, and turn, as well as the risk factors involved.

You can do the same. 

But, you must be open to learning new skills as often as possible.

How often do we stay stuck in the same environments, routines, and talking with the same people about the same old, same old.

As if you can predict the conversation in advance.

That is most people. 

Unfortunately, that never leads to growth.

That is why, for me, I each week on The Becoming a Champion Show I sit down with top performers, across many industries to learn and listen to their story.

That is how I learn and grow.

Last week, for instance, I sat down with Tracy Chadwell, who shared her story of going from a lawyer to a top line Venture Capitalist. 

She shared her story about Following The Breadcrumbs which led her to her current career path. Check out the episode.

New Skill Acquisition is so important to your overall mental health as well. When you learn something new, you stop thinking about things that are old.

You get very "in the moment" and almost feel like a kid again.

The first phase of new skill development is always met with a friendly awkwardness, and is then followed by a first, small victory.

From there, the victories begin to stack and over time, sometimes a very short time, the skill sticks and you feel so, so good about yourself.

SO, as you enter into this week, what skills do you want to learn?

What skills do you acquire?

Do not wait- your mental health depends on it!

And, think about how good you will feel about yourself, at the roots level, knowing that you have just learned something new at this point in your life.

By the way- I am talking about new skill acquisition through immersion!

Not Youtube skill dev or book reading skill dev.

Actual skill dev.

Got it?

Go out and challenge yourself today!

Go out and WIN today!

Your Coach,

COACH DANA CAVALEA

Check out my sit down with Tracy Chadwell! Check out the episode.