KNOWLEDGE ALONE DOES NOT GUARANTEE SUCCESS

We are told that knowledge is the key to success. If we learn we will achieve. If we set our sights high when establishing our goals and objectives, and work hard to equip ourselves with the knowledge to accomplish our goals, great things will happen. In front of each of us lies an endless number of possibilities as long as we pay attention to AND apply what was taught in school – then “never stop learning” throughout life. Knowledge alone, however, is not the key that opens up any opportunity. Our recent focus on providing every child or student with an education, leaving nobody behind, ignores the basic reality that each individual child or student should be able to learn – and that we all learn differently.

Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Knowing facts, details or information does not make one a leader, a teacher or even a success. Individuals chosen to participate on the TV gameshow Jeopardy demonstrate a vast base of knowledge – an unending ability to recall what many would consider arcane facts and an astounding grasp of history, trivia, and culture – BUT do nothing to demonstrate how any of these isolated facts might be applied to create solutions outside of the show. The application of knowledge through wise choices, decisions and actions that anticipate consequences (both planned and unintended) is what truly defines success, particularly if we do not care who gets the credit for the results that are achieved. Knowledge allows us to think about issues, topics, and challenges from many different perspectives. Wisdom (the application of knowledge) allows us to succeed by putting what we know into action – whether it be repetitive or a new application of related experience.

Not all individuals are “wired” to attend college. Some learn through books and formal training – and we need educated teachers, engineers, doctors, managers, and other professionals to study, practice and learn so they can lead, teach, and create. Others can make a difference by applying the skills and abilities they attain to situations that do not require a college degree. Trade schools provide skills that can be applied within technical careers (manufacturing, tool and die, machinists, carpenters, mechanics, and a plethora of other significant occupations that contribute to society). Certificate programs allow one to focus training to a narrow slice of knowledge that can be applied directly to a defined situation or a specific career. Though our grade schools and high schools equip us with information that is vital and necessary to survive in this world, we must continually stretch our minds throughout life so we can overcome obstacles by applying our knowledge and experiences wisely to eliminate roadblocks or accomplish new objectives. Education plants seeds of prosperity that lie dormant until they are nurtured and applied. When we apply our learned skills to resolve new challenges not previously experienced, we reap the benefits of lifetime learning.

We should seek knowledge but strive for ways to apply what we learn to better ourselves and those around us. We should establish goals and seek to accomplish them but understand success is not simply the fulfillment of a stated objective having no purpose or meaning. Success is not measured by what we have or what we do but rather by what we are able to accomplish with the gifts we are given and how we apply the knowledge we attain – how we are able to impact, influence or enlighten others as we demonstrate wisdom through the application of all we know and all we have experienced. It is not elevating, enabling, or providing for others that matters – it is fulfilling our own potential as we vacate each “station” in life which another can fill IF they, too, wisely apply their knowledge. Knowing is nothing unless it is associated with action, responsibility, accountability, and focused follow-through. One can know much without making a difference – which can only happen when we apply our knowledge and put it into action...which happens only when one is responsible for his or her individual actions, is able to learn from past mistakes and can move on to accomplish the next objective. Making a true difference usually involves helping others learn without having to experience the same mistake or disruption.

Nothing changes unless someone does something differently than it has been done in the past. We cannot expect to change our outcomes unless we alter our approach. We cannot improve our standing unless we take intentional steps to move from “where we are” to “where we wish to be.” Knowledge provides us with the foundation upon which we can build our dreams, but we must apply what we know without requiring the praise or credit for what has been done to reach new ceilings (which will become floors upon which we can continue to add new perspectives to those solutions we know work as we strive to accomplish things we hope could be possible). When we seek knowledge, it should be purposeful – with all learning directed towards the accomplishment of an objective or the realization of a dream. Knowing for the sake of knowing may allow us to win the game of Jeopardy but applying what we know to the accomplishment of everyday problems, issues and situations will allow us to succeed in the game of life.