Build Up Your Expertise
I believe that you have at least one area of your life in which you can call yourself an expert. (An expert is defined as someone who has achieved a high degree of skill or knowledge of a certain subject.)
I also believe that most people who have an area of expertise really enjoy doing whatever it is - that's why they spend the time, energy and possibly money to become and remain an expert.
When I think of an expert, I remember my grandmother who was an expert baker (at least we thought so!) and spent a lot of money on baking supplies but never made a dime from it - just gushing compliments. I think about a friend who is an expert sports photographer but makes his living working for an airline. I think about many of my friends who are experts that make their living sharing their expertise by speaking professionally.
In my life, I'm good at a lot of things and feel confident that I have achieved the skill status to be considered an expert in a few. (Anyone who does the family laundry can can freely add this to their areas of expertise!) I have been teaching and studying speed reading for over 20 years and feel confident saying I am an expert in this field.
Recently, I was asked to write another book about speed reading ("The Complete Idiot's Guide to Speed Reading" due out in June 2008) which gave me the opportunity to re-read the over 30 books I have on my shelf having to do with speed reading. What an incredible experience! I learned that I really DO know my stuff BUT there are a few things that could make what I do even better. It's like I'm an old dog learning new tricks.
I share this with you because from this experience, I have rejuvenated my passion for teaching speed reading and strengthened the foundation of my area of expertise. It is a privilege to re-visit the information again from so many different viewpoints.
If you know what area(s) you are expert in and haven't read a book, magazine or taken a class in your expert field in a long time, I highly recommend you do. With audio books, online courses and ebooks also now readily available, I'm sure you can find something that will suit your lifestyle. You'll be happy you did!
TERMS OF PERMISSION TO REPRINT
This tip may be reprinted when the following byline is included:
Abby Marks Beale is founder of The Corporate Educator, a professional speaking and training company specializing in helping with busy people work smarter, faster and just plain better. Go to www.TheCorporateEducator.com.
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