Building on the Foundations of the Past

There is a wonderful and haunting quote that I believe comes from Arnold Toynbee: "Those who refuse to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it." Successful people have always learned from, and built upon the foundations of those who went ahead of them.

Lee Iacococa said that he read two business books every week during his career at Ford and later when he brought Chrysler back from bankruptcy. Presidents Carter, Clinton and both Presidents Bush have commented on their study of history. John Kennedy was a voracious reader, and there is a famous photo of him walking into the White House on Inauguration Day with the book, "Presidential Power" tucked under his arm.

Leaders learn from the past!

As I coach and observe both extremely successful people in business, the arts, and highly successful parents, spouses, and "retired" elders, I note that there is a clear distinction between the behavior of the successful and the "almost successful".

Leaders read more and learn more. They ask questions, learn from their competition, respect and admire their colleagues, and form collaborative partnerships all over the world. They allow themselves to be taught by the great figures of history, as well as those still living.

In contrast, the "almost successful" have complicated reasons about why they "don't have time", or how their competitors have stolen their ideas, betrayed their trust, or treated them badly. Too often, these individuals become permanently "almost successful".

It is always unfair to stereotype and pick on any group, but I'm going to do it anyway. I notice that many entrepreneurs are particularly guilty of failing to learn from the past. They have wonderful ideas, tremendous enthusiasm and great faith. They want to MOVE! They just can't wait to build their business, achieve their goals and make their fortune.

Unfortunately, sometimes they end up spinning their wheels, making the same mistakes over and over, refusing to slow down, ponder, and learn.

Successful people access at least three distinct types of learning and use the wisdom and successes of others to guide them. Here are suggestions for areas one might explore:

1. Biographies of those who achieved what you want to achieve. Make no mistake - this is not casual reading or reading for a good story! This is an investment in your future, an investment in your success. Read and underline. Read and ponder. Read to learn how others have created the life you want to live.

2. Formal training. Leaders take classes, go to seminars, attend workshops and practice, practice, practice. The "almost successful" can't afford the time or the money. They "know that already". Or, they make up other excuses. Successful people invest in their education and they keep learning. A seminar that contains
just one new idea, or that gives you a fresh slant on an old idea could make all the difference.

3. Colleagues and experts. Highly successful people watch and learn from other people. They pick up the phone and call. They send an email and ask a question, build a friendship, and form partnerships with the best leaders and most successful people they can find. Successful people WILL try to respond and help others.

Too often we focus on the handful of things that have changed in recent years. We celebrate our telecommunications, our computers and our other new gadgets and tools. But, as the ancient wisdom says, there is really "nothing new under the sun". People still prefer to do business with people they like and trust. Hard work, persistence and a clear sense of purpose are still the keys to success.

As we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms, let us also remember and learn from the great teachers of the past. Some, we knew personally in school, in past jobs, or in our families. Others we will never meet face to face, but they left books and businesses. They left legacies from which we can learn.

"Those who refuse to learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it." Commit yourself to learning, growing, and building on the successes of the past. You can't live long enough to learn everything by trial and error. And besides, sometimes it's just easier to let someone teach us!

"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
-- Francis Bacon

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life."
-- Sandra Carey

Source:
Philip E. Humbert, PhD,
Resources for Success!(tm)