The difference between reading and studying is focus, intensity and a willingness to put into practice what you’ve learned. Top athletes continuously train to remain at the top of their game. Business people need to do the same.

When you stop learning, you stop growing.

Are you investing your time or spending it? The more you study your customers, and remain a student of your market and your business, the better chance you have of differentiating yourself, creating new ideas, and being successful.

If your company does not have adequate training, create your own plan. Search for free training online. There's a ton out there – on every possible topic. Start by searching on YouTube.

Where can we invest our time to get the biggest return? It’s in creating new habits – and specifically, habits that bring us the highest possible success and return. This is the path to accelerating your success in life. We are creatures of habit. Habits are the internal paths of least resistance. We think, feel and do the same things, day after day. Re-training yourself takes time, but it’s the best investment you can make in yourself. Start now. Don’t deviate.

Game plan:

• Spend 15 minutes a day listening to or reading success info
• Know how other people’s positions at your office affect yours
• Read your company trade magazines
• Join Toastmasters. Or BNI. Or your local Chamber/Civic & Commerce Association
• Figure out where your training is taking you