I’m more than a hustler – I’m a student. My educational terrain isn’t school, it’s ‘life’…the institution is “Life University”. I’ve been a student at LifeU for years, about 30 of them. My major is ever-changing; currently I’m in study to acquire the knowledge necessary to reach every desired outcome that appears in my inquisitive mind -AND- to share that knowledge to my fellow-man (and woman) so that the benefits of my studies are multiplied.
INTERESTING FACT: In all my years of study, I’ve consistently run into a reoccurring message: the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know. Here’s how it works…the more I learn, the more my mind expands. As my mind expands, it increases my capacity to accept more data. As my mental capacity increases; my hunger for knowledge increases.
Knowledge is infinite, there’s no direction of life that isn’t backed by loads of information that have answers to every question, solutions for every problem, and motivation for any journey.
Retention
At LifeU, information moves at a quick pace. Lessons tend to pop up at the most random times: at the gym, the grocery store, even at Chuck E. Cheese. With the rapid injections of information, the ability to retain the mental wealth becomes an immediate concern. The following methods help in my effort to maximize my retention:
- Repetition. Repetition enhances your ability to absorb the material that you study. Retention is increased when you review your course of study multiple times.
- Application. The most powerful way of retaining large gulps of knowledge is by putting it into action. This is the best way to retain newly acquired information because actions is the conduit that changes theory into reality. Application offers new perspectives and sparks new interest leading to additional study.
- Desire. Begin each point of study with clarity around what you want to get out of it. This keeps the focus on the subject matter and helps ensure that information leakage is held to a minimum. It’s about taking a strategic approach to your learning, based on the desired knowledge you want to obtain on a specific subject.
- Teaching. When I put knowledge into practice and it produces a favorable outcome, I feel the calling to extend my learnings to others. Applying knowledge and getting results feels good – but the feeling is magnified when you can also help someone else produce make improvements.
- Open Mindedness. Approach your study with an open mind. Defensive walls will eliminate opportunities to obtain fortunes of knowledge. Having an open mind allows the learning process to flow naturally, keeping your ability for retention at its highest.
EXPOSED! The Secret Behind this Message
Not only am I a student, but I’m a recruiter for LifeU. Yep, I’ve been commissioned by the Dean of Admissions to recruit as many fellow students as possible. Here’s the kicker – you get to manage your own grades…they’re displayed on a daily basis by way of your achievements. If by chance you get below an “A”, you get to retake the test; over and over and over – until you reach that desirable “A”.
With all this goodness, it must be expensive, right? Wrong! There’s no fee – it’s free! And, it even pays you back an equal return. How unreal is it to get a 100% (or more) return on your investment? Well LifeU teaches this in its main course which is held between 12:01 AM to 12:00 AM, daily. You should never miss a class.
ATTENTION HIPPIES: LifeU supports the Green Movement! LifeU teaches us how to gain knowledge and share it…it’s called ‘recycling the knowledge‘. There’s even an Information Compost System somewhere on campus.
The only qualifier to be admitted into this prestigious place of education is a burning desire to be the “best you” that you can. In fact, LifeU’s motto is: “embrace LifeU and become the best you”. It’s all about continuous effort directed towards growth.
I Conclude
My requirement for education will never subside. It’s a part of my make up; it’s what I’m about. I’ve made the lifelong dedication to LifeU. I’m willing hustle to reach whatever mark that I set – and to transfer that knowledge to anyone who is willing use it. I think the title of this article should have read: The 30 Year Old Student/Recruiter…that better represents my mission.
Best regards,
-Jk Allen, understudy of LifeU’s Hustlology program
Will the Dean of Admissions be proud of my recruiting efforts? Will you submit your application to join me at LifeU? Don’t worry, even if you don’t, you’ll still reap the benefits…because whatever I learn, I’ll be certain that you learn it as well. If you’re down, fill out your application below in the comments section!
{ 64 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE IT!! Thank you…and I am also a lifelong student at LifeU!
Sharuba – thanks for stopping by and commenting. It’s always nice to be in the “presence” of fellow students.
I must agree. Very creative. Well written and i could tell you took time to think about this before you posted it. Man..your killing then out here..keep in keeping on..I’m waiting for your best selling book to appear!!!
Jonathan – thanks for the props. Much appreciated. I certainly give my best so I’m glad that it comes across that way. Thanks man.
Hi Jk,
I too am a student of life. I love my university! It’s crucial that we keep on learning and expanding ourselves! Thanks Jk!
~Dandy
Hi Dandy – yes, we have to continue to push our education forward. And life is jam packed with what we need, if we know how to learn from it. Thanks for the comment!
JK,
I am currently in the 8 year associates program in entrepunership skills. Do you still have your notes from that class becasue I am struggling.
Man this is the truth. Life is the best and also the most harsh teacher there is. I am glad to be a student at LifeU.
Great post!!!
My man Frank – I didn’t even touch on the harshness that life can teach us and I’m glad you brought it up. LifeU isn’t always kind…but it always has the best intentions. And about those notes…Let’s retake that course together. Peace.
@ Frank
“Life is the best and also the most harsh teacher there is.”
Amen to THAT! Life gives us lessons that cannot be learned or taught in the classroom.
@JK Wonderful post. I’ll see you in class. lol
Hello Shay – welcome to the notebook! It’s always nice seeing a new fact, so thank you and I appreciate you leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts. see you in class!
Hi Jk,
I’m happy to report I’m a fellow student at LifeU with you!
Here’s to learning – everyday!
Alex
Of course you are Alex! To the many “more” lessons ahead!
JK, at it again, man! I love your take on LifeU. The only school in the world where you don’t get your diploma until you’re dead! And those who stop learning are just plain dropouts!
I wholeheartedly agree with all your points, but I particularly like Repetition. How many times do I have to repeat history to try and get things right? Most people who succeed take several times to get their craft just the way it should be.
You’ve come a long way, man. And for you to take what you’ve learned and pass it onto someone else is just amazing. Keep at it, pal.
Mr. Thompson! Nice to see you. Thank you for the nice, encouraging words. Yeah, it’s a trip that we only get that piece of paper when when it’s all said and done (in this world)! But in order to make the best out of what we have now, we have to be willing to make the best of it…it won’t come out of no where. I’m learning (from LifeU) that I have to take charge, and educate myself constantly, share that education; and in time, it’ll come back in my direction – like a boomerang. Keep keep’in it real Bryan!
Hi Jk,
As a student who’s recently enrolled at LifeU I can say the tuition has already paid for itself
Luv your breakdown. I note that the more I learn, the more I can acquire. As our awareness expands we are capable of learning so many more new things. The capacity to learn grows and we desire to learn more.
The application needs to come right after the repetition; glad you mention this. Ideas are accepted when introduced to our consciousness again, and again and again. Once the idea is accepted it will do you no good, for ideas themselves are airy and transient. Here one minute gone the next. You must put the idea into action by applying it immediately.
Experiment. Innovate. Try new approaches. Rinse and repeat. World changers get street smarts each minute. They apply whatever they’ve learned immediately and can care less about the myth of “failure.” Each opportunity begs for you to use it wisely, and application of a new idea is one of the most noble acts in my book for it demonstrates initiative and courage.
As for teaching, that’s where the real fun begins
I enjoy the entire process but teaching someone concepts that change their life elicits a wonderful feeling.
Thanks for sharing your insight Jk.
RB
Ryan – wow! Thanks for the great comment. You broke it down so eloquently. Particularly, where you said: “…They apply whatever they’ve learned immediately and can care less about the myth of “failure.” That’s where I’m headed. I’m not there yet, completely, but I’m dang close. I know it cause I feel it. I can’t explain it, but I can tell because I’ve become more courageous, willing to fail if I have to. Thanks for the value add Ryan.
Personally I just want a BA from LifeU – it’s a tough program, most people leave with their Associates and say “good enough!l
Great article.
Ocean Front – I’m glad that your part of the educative team that learns in all places. You having a traditional education PhD, will only magnify the education you get from LifeU. We have big things to come. Just wait and see!
JK: Love this post and I think you are a great recruiter. It really is all about being open minded to living and learning. That really is the best way life works and allows us to always make certain we are moving in the right direction. Great article.
Hi sibyl – I’m glad that you find me to be a great recruiter. It’s ll for the good – with the best intentions possible. We can live and learn, or we can just live. the benefit of learning to is that we live a more fulfilling life. cheers!
This is one of the qualities that has drawn me most to you JK since we hooked up online—- You truly do come across as humble and ready to learn anything you can. It’s such an appealing characteristic and I can honestly say I’m excited to watch your growth in the coming years because you’re going to explode. I’m not saying that to make ya feel good, I really do mean it. Because you’re constantly working on JK, the sky is the limit.
Isn’t that the key to life to life though? Always learning. Ever growing. New goals. Novel missions. Unique experiences.
Continued success to you my friend.
Hey man, thanks! I’m glad that my passion is shining through. I have things to learn because I have things to teach. I’m blessed with an incredible drive and hunger because I know there are people who need it (yes, including me!). It’s words like yours that make it easy after it felt hard. I just got a jolt of inspiration, I better get to using it! peace.
JK
I loved it man! This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite post I’ve read today. I am willing to venture and say that this is my favorite post I’ve read EVER!
LifeU… such an awesome metaphor!
Isn’t funny that we all go to school for 16 years, some even go for masters and doctorates and spend 20 years in school – the types of people that have more degrees than a thermometer! Yet, most people think education stops there and never enroll in LifeU.
There is absolutely no way you can cram a life’s worth of learning into 16 or even 20 years. We receive a formal education to make a living. We enroll in LifeU to design a life!
Awesome stuff man! (tweeted/bookmarked)
Hector – that’s big coming from you… “I am willing to venture and say that this is my favorite post I’ve read EVER!” I appreciate that. You didn’t have to take the time to share that…so thanks!
I should have consulted with you before publishing this post, because this comment is gold: “We receive a formal education to make a living. We enroll in LifeU to design a life!” Wow – what more could I say. I have to end this reply. Thanks man – that was valuable.
JK
I learned it from my mentor and business philosopher; Jim Rohn, and modified it a bit to fit this awesome blog post!
Hi Jk,
I love this! I have submitted my application to become a student of life a long time ago
We all are students of life JK! There is no person that can know everything. I pesonally learn from everyone including children. It is a never ending process. Each day should be used to learn from and improve ourselves for better. Thanks for sharing my friend
Hey Dia – I know you’re a fellow student. I would say that I think everyone can be a student, but everyone doesn’t embrace it. I only consider those that embrace it students. Thanks for the comment and sharing your thoughts.
> Open Mindedness
Mindset is huge. A few years back, a little trick I adopted to make the most of any book or any training class, or even any movies was to look for three take aways. It sounds so simple, and yet it’s so effective. It both creates curiosity, while turning insight into action.
J.D. – I love your strategic approach at things. Look for 3 take aways. I’m going to give that shot. Thanks for the comment and great advice!
There’s another term that I’ve come up for this, and it’s SchoolHouse Earth. I’ve been a member of Schoolhouse Earth/LifeU for 24 years now, and needless to say, I haven’t wasted my tuition fees
I was looking forward to your next post Jk, you certainly don’t disappoint. What I like about you the most is that you’re ‘hungry’. You’re eager to get as much out of this as possible, and you want others to do the same. You’re like the Sun that keeps on giving, the plants will always grow towards it.
Onwards and upwards mi amigo
Hey Stuart – thanks for the nice reply. I love your version of the school of life: “Schoolhouse Earth”. Has a nice twist to it. Yes, hunger and eagerness are a part of my make it…it’s because words like yours keep me motivated. Thanks man. peace.
I think it’s important that you make sure that you learn what you really need.
My Dad spent years at university studying and learning heaps and then 20 years down the track he gets put in a position where everyone around his knows nothing, and he’s trapped.
Learning should be used to make sure that you never end up in a situation like this
Hi Peter – I’m honored that you commented. Tough break that your dad got – hopefully things are working out for the better. That would not be an ideal situation. Never giving up is part of the course. We have to learn the hard way a bunch of times, until we realize that all we have to do is keep a level of focus and persistence and we can make anything happen.
Jk,
I’m feeling you man. I share your love of learning and appreciate your passion.
One of my biggest goals is instilling this into my children, and the cool this is that its actually working! (my kids are LifeU students too)
And I agree with you about the importance of retention. For me, it’s through teaching that I best learn.
Thanks, as always, for the great post Jk.
We have that in common…that drive to be the best providers for our children. Nobody can argue with the importance of that…and everyone supports it.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to be the best dad that you can. I’ll be on the other side of the states doing the ‘thang’.
Thanks for the support Jason – you’re a great guy. Peace.
Hey Jk,
Thanks for the awesome article as always!
Keep them coming my way, because you go harrrdddddddd in the paint! No really I think being a everlasting student is the best way to go, because in this life we live in things are always changing around us at a rapid pace.
The only way to stay on top of your game and the changing world is to stay a student, stay learning, stay developing for the better as you clearly said. Reading your articles inspires me and teaches me somethi new all at the same time. Keep turning it up a notch in this business were in JK!
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
William the Great – My pleasure. Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts. Things change rapidily, only because we create things at a rapid pace. We all have the ability to keep up, if we’re willing to do it.
Keep that infrared focus and you’ll be where ever you want. I speak it like I I’ve climbed all the mountains…I surely I haven’t…but I surely will. Peace.
Hey Jk,
Thanks for the Response!
You are absolutely right things change so fast, because we create things at a rapid pace. People make new faster more advanced computers everyday! That’s crazy, because a year after you by a computer it’s value has went way down, but that’s another story lol.
I thinks it’s good to talk confident, because that’s a good trait to show. You always have to stand up for what you believe in even if no body else will. I’m sure you will climb all the mountains too! You have your “Laser” focus on point.
Thanks again!
God bless,
William Veasley
Man does not live from himself; he lives from mental pictures of himself. Life offers opportunities to picture ourselves as wise, loving and causative. The world-voice will insist that we are ignorant, justly cautious and at the effect of life (just watch the evening news). Which school of thought shall you accept as true about you? Which school of thought separates you from the qualities that authentically belong to you? YES, Jk, I love your distinctions about learning. Few folks realize that their own self-image rules … and make beautiful their lives or ruin it. Realize this, and your mental, emotional, spiritual and material life will grow. Thanks for the gentle reminders, Jk.
Hi Rob, thank you for commenting and adding the real meaning, and direction that I wanted this post to go. I obviously don’t have your skills with words (or life), so I’m glad that you shared your thoughts…because you laid the foundational importance of why being a student of life is so important. Your opening sentence is one that I hope everyone catches: “Man does not live from himself; he lives from mental pictures of himself.” Of course this can be built upon, but I think this sentence alone offers a clear scope into the opportunities we have in life. It’s based on basic imagery – we can choose to look like a mindless coward, or in the light of mindful courage. It’s our pick! Thank you!
hello jk
how are you?
so you know, i am in the LifeU, too and i just started a new semester in 2011 lol!!
the concept of knowledge being infinite is true and i totally agree the more we learn the more we realise how little we know.
i can relate to the issue of repetition because i have been practicing words over and over again on flash cards with my 4 year old and when we spot same words either in the papers, books or on the buses he remembers because of constant practice and repetition.
having an open mind is important because it creates the urge or desire to learn without giving up easily no matter how complex it seems.
thanks for sharing
take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the day
Hello Ayo – thanks for backing up what I thought was an important part of retaining knowledge – repetition. I first truly got a glimpses of that in college; taking calc or other math classes. I would have to practice each piece of the formula over and over and over, and after a while – it made sense and I could fly through it. But it took that practice of repetitive action first! And, I’ve alway witnessed through my kids, many times over! Thanks for the comment Ayo and bringing your value to the notebook – peace!
Hi JK, I really like the flow of this post. I can totally imagine you speaking it.
I keep enrolling in LifeU but I can’t seem to pick a major.
There are just so many different things I want to learn. Maybe some day I will have a Master’s degree but I definitely don’t think that’s close. I think that this year will be a good one for some major studying.
Jennifer – Welcome to Hustlers Notebook. It’s always nice seeing a new face in the comments!
No Major, no problem! My wife has no major either Jennifer – she loves and wants to do everything; from being a doctor to picking through trash – seriously – she’s that open minded. I think it creates a great balance between the two of us because I’m more focussed in one direction…so having her open mind/creativity, makes for one heck of a team. For me, I have a concentration and on the tip of declaring my major!
It’s always nice to meet a fellow members of LifeU. What a great place it is; free, jam-packed with information, and everyone is at the same level.
Thanks for the comment – I appreciate it!
Hi JK! I’m with you. Life is about growth and continuous learning. Life is a great school that can keep us engaged as long as we’re willing to participate full out. I appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Nothing better than to appreciate the lessons the LifeU gives us.:)
Thanks for recruiter other to participate in this beautiful process. Loving blessings!
Hi Andrea – yes, life is a great school and offers us what we need. It fills the places that we lack. Somtimes we don’t like the lessons…and I think that’s only because we don’t like to know that we need the lessons. It’s hard – we’re human. But the information is for us, for a particular purpose. I think I’ll be learning that in some classes in the very near future!
Can I enrol in the Hustology LifeU course please? Awesome post JK and whatever you were on while writing this I’d like a double order please!
We’re always looking for fellow hustlers Amit – so you’re in! Thanks for the kind words. Thanks for the comment!
Sign me up now JK! I love that phrase LifeU. Is there a sister place called LoveU cause plenty may wanna go there? Fabulously intelligent article and made me smile, feel good about life, and more aware about my progress than many a blog post. So I’d like to take a Masters in Simple Life Enjoyment and hope the life long course will bring great results. After all whenever you enjoy life’s simple pleasures you always make the grade!
John – you nailed it! “Whenever you enjoy life’s simple pleasures you always make the grade!” That’s very important… because it all comes down to joy in some way, right. We want to bring joy to our own lives and the lives of others. Joy naturally inspires joy amongst others! Thanks for the value add John!
I am definitely loving the LifeU phrase very creative JK. I guess this is an institution non of us is ever going to graduate from till we die. The moment we even begin to think of leaving this school, then we begin to die even though we still breath. Learning is a very fundamental requirement for living.
Only this morning did I pose this question on my facebook and twitter status:
“In a universe where nothing is certain except change, what in your opinion is the most strategic behaviour?”
This post absolutely answers this question -become and remain a student of LifeU.
Why? because learning is the most strategic behaviour of keeping up with change.
Thanks JK for sharing this in a creative manner. Love the twist.
Hey Tito – I loved how you ended this one… “…earning is the most strategic behaviour of keeping up with change.”
I’m glad you like the analogy of learning from life – everyday, even the hard lessons. See you in class!
Absolutely!
Mr. Allen!
Hats off to you sir! I stumbled on your site via a comment you left on Skyward and all I can say is that I love your core mission and what you stand for. We need more of this. I’d love you to guest blog on a website that I’m an editor for called bizchickblogs. If you’re interested we have a section “he says” that would be a great platform for you to share your message. Keep it up and keep it real! Looking forward to more posts from you!
Hi Marlee – Thank you for stopping by leaving the positive feedback. I really appreciate it. I will certainly checkout bizchickblogs and prepare for a guest post. Thanks for the opportunity!
Hey Allen, LifeU is a great phrase. I love it. Well, I am a frequent student, not regular! I usually learn my lessons, apply, take a break and then do it again. Step by step!
Ishan – What’s up! The great thing is that even if a lesson isn’t learned the first time – it’ll come back around for a second take!
very good write up, i am a student as well
if you have the thirst to learn daily then you are on track
Life always throws surprises and learning
Nice share
Hi JK,
Love this article! I also find that the more I know, the more there is to know. Also, a lot of what I have learned (especially through formal schooling) has gone by the wayside as my knowledge and skill has become more specialized.
I am a perpetual student of LifeU and am looking forward to next semester.
Hi Lisa – I’m glad you loved the article. I hear what you are saying about formal education. I had actually written in a part about formal education, but removed it cause it was a waste of space! Thank’s for sharing your thoughts in your comment. peace.
the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know
is the afct every student of toady needs to understand. We should not be proud of what we have learnt but try to spraed it to those around us. That is an indication of the fact that we ujnderstaood teh intention of our studies and their purpose.
Very well stated Ranjith. We have to realize that we don’t know it all. The more we learn, the more learning we have to do…because we broaden our mind and increase our capacity to ingest more info!
Loved this post, Jk! I went searching through your archive and ran across this post. It resonated with my post, so I had to check it out! So glad I did too! It’s all about the lessons, man. Life is definitely out to teach us a few. The thing is are we truly willing to learn what life is telling us. Not only that, but like you said; are we willing to apply what we learn. The test will be given, and if we don’t pass the test in our lives; we’ll certainly have to keep taking it over and over and over again. I simply got tired of taking the same test over. I wanted some new ones. I needed some new ones! What I didn’t know, but came very aware of is that in order for new test to come in my life I had to step out of my comfort zone and do things a bit different than I had done them in the past. I had to learn from the test and apply the real! Who knew? Heck, nobody filled me in on that! Thankfully, I caught a clue and started giving life a run for it’s money. Making a difference in my life and in those that I connect myself with. Absolutely loved this post, my dude! Deep stuff!
I’m sure you will climb all the mountains too! You having a traditional education PhD, will only magnify the education you get from LifeU. And I agree with you about the importance of retention.