I work as an Achievement Specialist. This means that I study and focus on anything and everything related to creating success and achievement. Psychology, business methodologies, sociology, spiritual writings, sports theories and so on.
I am, however, very careful not to call myself an expert even though everyone wants to hear from “the expert”. Instead, I think of myself not as an expert but as a fellow student of this thing called life.
Let me share a related story. Years ago, a seeker of more knowledge searched high and low for the revered Master. Now, this seeker considered himself a bit of an expert but wanted to hear what the Master had to say. Eventually, he found the Master sitting quietly in a room.
The student said “Master, I know many things but look to you to help me know more. Please tell me what you know.”
The Master asked the seeker to tell him everything he thought he already knew. Many minutes later, as the seeker continued to share his own knowledge, the Master began filling a tea cup that sat in front of the seeker, who kept talking and sharing his expertise.
As the tea cup became full, the Master did not stop pouring the tea. He kept filling the cup long after it had overflowed all over the table.
The seeker jumped up shouting, “Master, what are you doing!? The cup is already full.”
And the Master calmly replied, “Dear soul, I cannot add anything to something that believes itself already full.”
Action – If you were open to just being a student to life, what would you study? What would you want to learn about? Who would you talk to? What would you want to ask? How would you manage your ego that is saying “but I already know what I need to know”? And what would you want to share with your fellow students?
To create achievement, empty your cup every now and then. Be open to the constant learning in and around you.
(Agree? Disagree? Have a similar concept? Please share your thoughts in the comments box.)