By Chris Polek – Recently I re-read The Contract by Derek Jeter, which I received as a gift a couple of Christmases ago. It is the story of Derek Jeter’s experiences growing up as a boy, and the life lessons learned. Derek says he kept these basic principles in mind, as he worked hard to achieve his dreams. This is a children’s book, and I found value in it as an adult too.
We all read good books. However, you know how some books you just love? Some books that you learned something so important it was worth reading over again to reinforce that; maybe you even learned something new again? These would fall into the category of great books.
Great books are ones worth reading over and over, and over again, because they help build and reinforce your skills/philosophy. It helps to build character of continuous learning. I started to pull books off my library shelf that I have read multiple times, and started stacking them (see picture, because of size restrictions on LinkedIn a fraction is shown), and I had to stop, because I was afraid the stack would soon topple!
If you aspire to be best in class, and stay best in class in your profession, then continuous learning is a must!
Think about if you had to have surgery done, and you were choosing who would be the best doctor for the job. Would that doctor’s diploma on the wall of 25+ years ago from Medical School qualify enough for you, or would you rather know more about their experience over the past 25+ years that makes them the best doctor to perform surgery on you? The diploma would only be the bottom rung of the ladder. How you lived the experience is what takes you to new heights.
So what did I learn from re-reading The Contract? I decided that it was worth writing down Derek Jeter’s 10 Life Lessons, and keep them easily accessible and visible. If I would live and breathe them, perhaps my life and career could be “Hall of Fame” worthy. I would suggest buying the book and reading it, since it is less than $20. Until you get to the bookstore, or go online, here they are:
DEREK JETER’S 10 LIFE LESSONS*
- Set Your Goals High
- Deal with Growing Pains
- Find the Right Role Models
- The World Isn’t Always Fair
- Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
- Have a Strong Supporting Cast
- Be Serious but Have Fun
- Think Before You Act
- Be a Leader, Follow the Leader
- Life is a Daily Challenge
As we get ready to wrap up 2016, many of us may spend some of our quiet time reading a new book. I would also consider choosing a book to re-read.
