Explore: Lessons

personal995
Jun 8, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Index

Purpose

Explore: Lessons is a section of Explore.

This page and section exists to assist you to continually learn from those who have come before us.

Many wise humans have come before us. There is no need to relive all their lessons yourself.

Introduction

No one, knows everything. We all make mistakes. We are never correct the first time, every time. What was correct yesterday, can often be wrong tomorrow. Continual learning is the only way to progress.

STRATEGY OF ONE does not have all the answers, but it can help minimise missteps. These Lessons are actions, principles, rules of thumb, cautions and cognitive frameworks you can use to help avoid traps and build momentum through each stage of life.

Continually review and take what you need. Absorb the Lessons that align with your Goals, and make them a part of your internal 'operating system'.

Each Lesson has accompanying quotes from great minds that can help us symbolise and remember the Lesson. That way we can more easily draw it from our memory as required.

The portrait that partners each quote is aimed to make you feel accountable. The individual lived, experience and made the effort to share the quote you are benefitting from. Now you can honour them by living up to it in your life and work.

Process

Review these Lessons as and when it best serves you to do so:

Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn it the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and action the Lessons:
Document the next most important Lessons for you to learn in your Action Plan.
Write them in your journal, if you journal.
Screenshot them and save them on your phone or computer background.
But most importantly, put them into action.
Whatever the Lesson you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.

Lessons

1. Cultivate Curiosity

Approach the world with a curious mindset. Be open to learning about different cultures, industries, and ways of life. Curiosity can spark new interests and reveal unexpected opportunities.

“Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn't matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”

Richard P. Feynman, American Theoretical Physicist (1918 - 1988)

2. Networking and Relationship Building

Establish and nurture relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Networking helps you tap into a wide range of opportunities, as people can provide valuable insights, advice, and even job referrals.

"Success in business is all about people, people, people. Whatever industry a company is in, its employees are its biggest competitive advantage."

Richard Branson, English Businessman (1950 - )

3. Continuous Learning

Stay informed about global trends, emerging technologies, and industry developments. Continuous learning ensures you remain adaptable and well-prepared for evolving opportunities.

“If you are interested in something, you will focus on it, and if you focus attention on anything, it is likely that you will become interested in it. Many of the things we find interesting are not so by nature, but because we took the trouble of paying attention to them.”

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Hungarian-American Psychologist (1934 - 2021)

4. Travel with Purpose

Explore the world intentionally. Travel to broaden your perspective, immerse yourself in new cultures, and gain a deeper understanding of different ways of life. Seek experiences that challenge your assumptions and expand your worldview.

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."

Gustave Flaubert, French Novelist (1821 - 1880)

5. Read Widely and Eclectically

Read books from various genres, authors, and cultures. Literature provides a unique window into different worlds, fostering empathy and understanding. Consider both fiction and non-fiction to gain diverse insights.

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one."

George R.R. Martin, American Author (1948 - )

6. Mindfulness and Reflection

Practice mindfulness and reflection to better understand your values, goals, and aspirations. Taking time for self-discovery enhances your ability to recognize opportunities aligned with your passions and purpose.

"Mindfulness is often spoken of as the heart of Buddhist meditation. It's not about Buddhism, but about paying attention. That's what all meditation is, no matter what tradition or particular technique is used."

Jon Kabat-Zinn, American Professor (1944 - )

7. Nature Exploration

Spend time in nature to reconnect with the environment and gain a sense of tranquility. Whether it's hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, nature exploration can rejuvenate your spirit and foster creativity.

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir, American Naturalist (1838 - 1914)

8. Attend Conferences and Events

Participate in conferences and events related to your field of interest. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, stay updated on industry trends, and discover new possibilities for collaboration and growth.

"Every person you meet knows something you don't; learn from them."

H. Jackson Brown Jr., American Author (1940 - 2021)

9. Hobbies and Passion Pursuits

Explore hobbies and passion projects outside of your professional realm. Engaging in activities you are passionate about can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections, fostering a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

"Follow your passion; it will lead you to your purpose."

Oprah Winfrey, American Media Producer (1954 - )

10. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with individuals from different professional backgrounds. Engaging in cross-functional projects or interdisciplinary collaborations exposes you to diverse skills, approaches, and problem-solving methods.

"I am a part of all that I have met."

Alfred Lord Tennyson, English Poet (1809 - 1892)

11. Document Your Experiences

Keep a journal, blog, or visual diary to document your experiences and reflections. Writing about your travels, cultural encounters, and personal growth not only helps you process your thoughts but also creates a record of your journey that can inspire others.

"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

John Wooden, American Basketball Coach (1910 - 2010)

Cautionary Lessons

1. Fear of Change

Avoid being overly resistant to change. The world is dynamic, and opportunities often arise in unexpected places. Embrace change and be open to new experiences.

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

John F. Kennedy, American Statesman (1917 - 1963)

2. Narrow-mindedness

Avoid being too narrowly focused on a single path or industry. Be willing to explore diverse fields and consider opportunities outside your comfort zone.

"The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size."

Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist (1879 - 1955)

3. Lack of Adaptability

The world is constantly evolving, and being adaptable is crucial. Avoid rigid plans that don't allow for adjustments. Adaptability enhances your ability to seize new opportunities.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

Charles Darwin, English Naturalist (1809 - 1882)

4. Ignoring Skill Development

Failing to continually develop your skills can limit your ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Stay proactive in acquiring new skills and staying relevant in your field.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."

Henry Ford, American Businessman (1863 – 1947)

5. Overlooking Global Perspectives

In our interconnected world, opportunities often transcend borders. Avoid being myopic and consider the global context when exploring opportunities.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

Saint Augustine of Hippo, Theologian and Philosopher (354 - 430)

6. Failure to Research

Lack of thorough research can lead to missed opportunities or poor decision-making. Be diligent in researching industries, markets, and potential career paths before making significant decisions.

"Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought."

Albert Szent-Györgyi, Hungarian Biochemist (1893 - 1986)

7. Impatience

Success often takes time, and impatience can lead to premature decisions. Avoid expecting instant results and be willing to invest the time needed for sustainable success.

"Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy."

Saadi Shirazi, Persian Poet (1210 - 1291)

8. Avoiding Failure at All Costs

Failure is often a stepping stone to success. Avoid a mindset that fears failure to the extent that you become risk-averse. Learn from failures and use them as opportunities for growth.

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."

Michael Jordan, American Basketball Player (1963 - )

9. Rigidity in Goals

While setting goals is essential, being too rigid in your expectations can lead to missed opportunities. Stay open to adjusting your goals based on evolving circumstances and new insights.

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."