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Vail Valley: You can thrive in a changing world

Michael Norton
Vail, CO, Colorado

“In times of change it is the learners that will inherit the earth as the learned will find themselves beautifully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists”

” Eric Hoffer

As change happens it forces the need for re-educating, training, and equipping individuals and organizations with the skills necessary to compete in our evolving world.



Many of us who have been in the same role or position with a company or within an industry for several years are witnessing change at an unprecedented rate. Dealing with either of these changes requires that we all be open to continuous learning.

Some folks haven’t had the privilege or benefit of a formal education beyond high school, yet they never let that stop them. They have demonstrated the ability to grow and their thirst for continuous learning is paying off. Typically I find that successful people, formally educated or not, have a vast library of personal and professional development books, CDs, and DVDs that have helped propel them towards the attainment of higher levels of achievement.

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Each week brings new e-mails and calls from family members, friends, and former business associates or coworkers who have lost their jobs or feel they are at risk of losing their jobs. I am fascinated by the fact that many of the people I speak with have other dreams and goals they wish to pursue now that they are not tethered to a past job or company. However, they feel trapped because their years and years of domain knowledge and expertise reside within a particular industry or career. They question their ability to make the leap and attempt a new career or business opportunity.

To thrive in a changed and changing world could mean that for some of us we must embrace the opportunity for change and be willing to learn new skills and disciplines. We need to read new material and attend new training classes. And we need to do so with a positive attitude of growth and prosperity, not one of desperation and fear.

Thriving in a changed world is not always about making more money, but can be easily defined by some as doing what they are passionate about and having purpose and meaning in their daily work life and personal endeavors.

If you would like recommendations on books or materials by subject matter topic or by career or industry please let me know at msnorton@comcast.net. I would be happy to point you toward some appropriate material choices. As always, make it a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a strategic consultant, business and personal coach and motivational speaker, and CEO of http://www.candogo.com. He writes a weekly motivational column for the Vail Daily.


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