If Alexander Graham Bell had stopped learning, being curious, and studying after inventing the telephone, he would not have turned his invention into a successful commercial enterprise that transformed communication. The thinker thought the inventor created, and the learner learned. Because of these habits, he formed the Bell Telephone Company, which led to the device in your purse, pocket or hand as well as networks all over the world as well as in space.

All to say, Bell was not sitting around making calls on his newly invented phone 24 -7. He wasn’t performing the same task over and over. Rather, he went right back to learning mode. We have those same two settings in our lives: learning and performing. We will only get better at what we do by taking time to learn new skills, theories, and practices.

We perform required and often repetitive tasks. Often exciting, but sometimes neither challenging nor fun. Still, they must be accomplished. Our performance is necessary and valuable. And it pays the bills.

What happened the last time your boss reviewed your performance evaluation with you? How did you respond to those areas that did not garner an Exceeds Expectation rating? Did you ask for more feedback? Were you satisfied with your status quo? Did you consider what you could do better or different next time? Did you ask for training, mentoring or coaching? Did you feel grateful?