The Path to Continuous Growth: Unleashing the Power of Lifelong Learning
Water From the Well
How did we get here?
I’m not pondering our existential origins but rather asking literally — how did we arrive at this moment, with you reading this story and newsletter?
While the full nuances of my journey to this point are vast and likely a lifetime’s work to unpack, I’ve always cherished a passage that directly speaks to this journey. It’s from Louis L’Amour, whose wisdom we’ll revisit often:
“My intention had been to write, and consequently, I made no effort to acquire a trade. Living such a life, one inevitably picks up various knacks and skills, yet not enough to become an expert in anything. All I had to offer was considerable strength and two hands.”
Since as early as I can remember, my dream was to become a filmmaker. In my view, having watched and logged over 2300 films, I’m of the opinion that the filmmaker is the ultimate storyteller. Therefore, I began to explore the fundamental elements and dynamics crucial for creating enduring films, one by one.
L’Amour adds:
“I read constantly. There was no plan, nor could there have been. One had to read whatever was available, a practice since the beginning.”
From the age of 15, my clandestine journey led me down a winding road to this very moment. Over the past 20 years, I’ve studied and practiced everything from music production and songwriting to sewing and costume design; from graphic design to cinematography; from sales and leadership across various industries to marketing and copywriting. Yet, throughout, “there was no plan.”
What I mean to say is, though my vision has remained steadfast, the “plans” I’ve concocted have often come to naught. Instead, I learn and grow where I am, content with the knowledge that each day’s education brings me one step closer toward the materialization of that vision.
Reflecting on my journey’s early days, I found a journal entry from 2008:
“I just got my G.E.D. and still don’t know what I want to do with my life. I don’t want to be a starving artist, so I’ll have to get a job. Yet, I refuse to work somewhere that doesn’t allow me to learn, grow, and study film.
Note to self: you might hate me for this at first, but being a moody introvert and hiding away has gotten us nowhere. So, to challenge us, especially for when our film moment arrives, I’m applying for jobs in restaurants or clothing stores. We might hate it, but it’s a chance to study and practice storytelling. You’ll thank me later… I hope.”
That ‘chump’ was right! Even now, as I write these articles, I’m still learning. The path of my final journey remains unseen, but I know it began, and ends, with a commitment to lifelong learning.
It’s about maintaining a state of constant curiosity and wonder, embracing the power to ask deep, tough questions — of others and, most importantly, of myself — and dedicating every interaction and moment to learning and teaching.
I don’t know what brought you HERE today, but be encouraged. Your story is far from finished.
P.S. Here are some tips to help get you started on your learning journey. Go ‘Deeper in the Well.’1
P.P.S. Oh, if you’re interested, here are my film journal stats. If you’re on Letterboxd hit the follow button, say hi, and let’s connect and chat. 😅