Dare to live without limits Week of 8/10/20

Seek wisdom by selectively using information

There’s is no limit to the amount of information at your fingertips. You are seconds away from information on virtually anything. However, what do you do with all of the information collected? Without the wisdom to use it, information is worthless.
Information is the accumulation of facts and data. Information may or may not be accurate or reliable. Wisdom is the ability to evaluate, select, and use knowledge in a positive manner to accomplish a specific objective.
It is possible to be educated (acquiring lots of information) but yet have little wisdom (not knowing how to use the information.). So, a complete education must include learning how and when to apply the information you have obtained.
The amount of available information is overwhelming. Wisdom enables you to identify exactly what information you need. Wisdom allows you to filter out false, worthless, or inaccurate information. Making decisions based on erroneous information leads to undesirable results.
Constantly holding information up to scrutiny is wise. A healthy level of skepticism works to your benefit. Information should never be blindly accepted. All information you encounter must be tested for validity and accuracy. Sources need to be verified for truthfulness. Discard any information which does not pass the test for accuracy and reliability. Information is reliable when it can be corroborated from multiple independent trustworthy sources.
Wisdom helps you decide whether or not action is warranted. Once you have verified information to be accurate, you must next determine how it applies to you. The same information impacts different people in different ways.
Wisdom helps you select the most appropriate path. In order to ascertain this, you have to identify your ultimate destination. Unless you know where you want to go, you won’t be able to obtain the most pertinent information needed.
Wisdom is learning from experience. Wisdom is learning from your mistakes. More is learned when things go wrong than when all goes as planned. As a wise person, you strive to repeat successful behavior while eliminating unsuccessful actions. You don’t make the same mistake twice.
Self-monitoring is a key component of wisdom. It’s an awareness of where you are and where you are headed. It is assessing the impact of what you are doing. You strive to continually assess if you are on your desired path. You make course corrections in response to any deviations.
Maintain an open mind. Observe those around you. Education and wisdom are lifetime pursuits. There is always more to learn. Thinking that you know it all is a trap. There is always room for growth.
A wise person admits to what they don’t know and then seeks to get the necessary information and answers. As good a teacher as experience is, someone else’s experience is an even better teacher. Study those who are already where you want to be. You can learn from their mistakes, saving you from having to make them yourself.
You can take steps to continually enhance your wisdom. Since wisdom comes from experience, expand your experiences by trying new things. Doing this requires leaving your comfort zone as well as intentionally doing things you are afraid to do.
You are surrounded by examples of both wisdom and stupidity. Observe others to enhance your understanding of strategies which work as well as mistakes to avoid. This approach is a fascinating way to boost your wisdom.
Think before acting. Anticipate the results of your planned behavior before starting. If you don’t think your actions will generate a positive result, alter your plans. Wise people don’t act in haste.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden