What’s the point of learning? It’s a question that might seem silly, especially coming from someone who loves to learn. But it’s a question worth asking.

You live in an age of unprecedented access to information. You can learn about quantum physics or ancient pottery with a few taps on your phone. Yet for all this knowledge at our fingertips, are we any wiser? Are our lives measurably better?

The uncomfortable truth is that learning, by itself, changes nothing. You can read every self-help book ever written and still be stuck in the same rut. You can attend seminars, watch TED talks, listen to podcasts, read books, and accumulate degrees, yet remain fundamentally unchanged. Knowledge without application is like unplanted seeds – full of potential, but ultimately fruitless.

The real magic happens when we take what we’ve learned and apply it to our lives. That’s when information transforms into wisdom, when potential becomes reality. It’s here where true growth occurs.

Learning without action leads to mediocrity at best. We’ve all known geniuses who are what I call walking encyclopedic idiots—people with vast knowledge but no impact on the world. These individuals could be incredibly useful, but their potential remains untapped because they fail to apply what they know. True greatness comes from not just acquiring knowledge but putting it to use.

Lifelong learning isn’t just about accumulating facts—it’s about applying what you learn to improve your life and the lives of others. This approach can transform your journey through life into an exciting adventure of continuous discovery and growth.

When I was working, I made it a point to speak with other business owners frequently, asking them how they did things that I wanted to do better. These conversations were invaluable, offering insights I could immediately apply to my own business practices. I’ve developed a learning routine that keeps me engaged and growing. For instance, I pay particularly close attention to homilies in church. Even though I might daydream during other parts of the service, I find that homilies often contain nuggets of wisdom applicable to everyday life. This intentional listening has taught me lessons on compassion, leadership, and resilience.

Reading biographies and autobiographies (and listening to such podcasts) has become another cornerstone of my learning routine. While history may not repeat itself exactly, human behavior certainly does. By understanding the lives of others, I gain insights into patterns and strategies that can be applied today. Biographies and autobiographies give you immediate access to a treasure trove of wisdom from the greatest minds in history, all for the price of a book or even for free through a podcast. Charlie Munger, the legendary investor, famously said he made hundreds of millions this way. He said that reading biographies is like getting lifetime advice for the price of a book. But these essays are more than just advice. They’re a roadmap, drawn from decades of experience, failures, and hard-won understanding. It’s the best investment you could ever make—not just in terms of money, but in life itself.

The key isn’t just to absorb this knowledge but to act on it. Learning without action is like filling a library with books you never read. It’s wasted potential. Munger himself didn’t just read about investing; he applied those lessons to build incredible wealth, emphasizing the importance of understanding what you’re investing in and holding onto it for the long haul.

Consider the example of J.D. Rockefeller, known for his meticulous tracking of personal and business expenses. He understood that by saving on unnecessary expenditures, he could better weather financial storms. This wasn’t miserliness; it was strategic thinking. Warren Buffett, too, is famous for his frugal lifestyle despite his immense wealth. These men didn’t just learn about financial management—they put it into practice, shaping their lives and businesses.

I’ve tried to follow their example. By learning from others’ experiences and implementing those lessons, I’ve been able to manage my personal and business finances more effectively. But this principle extends beyond just money management.

Every Monday morning, I receive an email from Dr. Kevin Elko with a 3-minute audio recording of his thoughts for the week. From him, I learned about the power of speaking blessings to yourself and being a blessing to others. This was a concept I had never considered before, but once I started implementing it, I noticed a positive shift in my mindset and interactions with others.

Writing down ideas is another practice I’ve adopted. The process of writing helps solidify concepts and ensures you truly understand them. If you can’t explain an idea in simple terms that a fifth grader would understand, maybe you don’t fully grasp it yourself. It’s not easy to be simplistic—think about a professional golfer’s swing. It takes one second and looks simple, but it’s the result of years of diligent practice and dozens of movements working in harmony. Understanding ideas and implementing them is the same; practice until it looks simple.

In essence, I have a learning action plan built into my daily life. This is what I want you to take away from this: it’s crucial to set up your learning habits and routines with a dedicated action-oriented mindset. Be on the lookout for things to learn that will improve your career, your relationships, and your ability to impact the things in life you wish to influence. When you come across a new idea or concept, don’t just file it away—think about how you can apply it in your life.

I’m writing these essays because I refuse to die with my wisdom unshared. Every lesson I’ve learned, every insight I’ve gained, every mistake I’ve survived—they mean nothing if they die with me. These words are my legacy, my way of reaching beyond my own lifetime to guide and protect the people I love most. They’re a direct line of communication from my heart to yours, hoping to save you from the same pitfalls I encountered and inspire you to reach heights I can only imagine.

I’m not interested in creating a monument to myself. I want to create a living, breathing guide that can help you navigate life’s challenges. Each essay is a conversation, a piece of my soul transferred to you, with the hope that you’ll take these lessons and make them your own.

These aren’t just words. They’re tools—weapons against mediocrity—a blueprint for living a life of purpose, integrity, and impact.

My greatest fear isn’t death; it’s dying without having made a difference. So I write. I share. I hope.