Caljaudiolearning For the most part I am against multi-tasking. It demeans any task to which one is attending because it divides one’s full effort. Also, it clutters the mind. In the end, the result of multi-tasking is often shabby work and frazzled nerves.

 

So much for theory. In practice, none of us can help a little multi-tasking in our lives. In many cases, and in contrast to my opening remarks, it can be downright stimulating. What am I talking about? The power of audio education. 

 

About fifteen years ago co-author Orrin Woodward turned me on to the power of listening to educational and informational recordings in my car. The habit quickly took root and hasn’t stopped since. I have listened to literally thousands of hours of recordings from many of the greatest minds, achievers, and authors of all time. I have heard mediocre talks and great ones, and in nearly every instance I came away with at least one new nugget of understanding or insight. It has cost me very little for this education, as most tapes (from the early days) and CDs are quite affordable, and in regards to time – it was going to be spent driving anyway. After a while I realized that I could continue listening to the same songs over and over wearing that groove in my brain deeper, or I could be even more entertained and enlightened by hearing new, invigorating information instead. I still play a little music now and then, after all, one can’t starve one’s soul, but I am constantly on the search for a great sermon, speech, talk, or educational recording that will make me a better Christian, leader, father, and citizen.

 

I have heard it said that anything one studies for thirty minutes a day for a year makes one among the most informed on the topic. Three years of such study makes one an expert. If this is true, and I believe there is at least some validity to the spirit of that quote, then we can all significantly increase our expertise in many areas simply by properly converting our ever-growing driving times into educational opportunities. If you are like me, you can make up for a lack of collegiate educational completeness or compensate for formal education ‘narrowness.’ You can use such a program to grow your knowledge, awareness, understanding, and most importantly; yourself!

 

Have you considered the power of a regular habit of audio learning? Do you have a program of training and/or education to keep you moving forward? If so, allow me to salute you, as you are in the minority. If not, please let this article inspire you to do so. I am convinced that once you make audio education a regular part of your driving habits you will never look back (unless, of course, someone is tailgating you).

 

So listen up!
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9 responses to “Listen Up!”

  1. Phyllis Hoff Avatar
    Phyllis Hoff

    Chris:
    Great post. I have about a 50 minute drive to and from work, so that is exactly when I listen to my CD’s. I get in at least 2 a day and sometimes more.
    It is great.
    I would miss them now if I didn’t have them.
    God Bless and thanks to all the leaders who take their time to put such inspiring talks together for us.

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  2. Skipper Avatar

    Great Post Chris, What are some of the Great audio talks you would recommend and where can we get them? Skipper

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  3. Abraham Avatar
    Abraham

    I thank God for placing Team in my path of life. Often I stated in my mind the things wanted but never obtained. I wanted to be a learner, a student of life and to be a reader; such a lack of drive keep me from what I sought. Then I met the Team. I was handed a stack of CD’s and was asked to listen and return when I was done for more. This started my real education. Once I went through that first bunch of audios, I erased my ipod of all beloved music because I wanted to fill my mind with the education of the team training. That was some time ago and I have been blessed with so many audios that seem to get better with the passing time. Thank you Chris and the PC and countless others that have fed my mind with the truth. God bless. -Abraham

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  4. John Dickinson - Team One Purpose! Avatar

    Chris,
    This is one of the things I love about the Success! Magazine because it comes with and Dual Audio/Visual CD/DVD.
    Imagine if just a million people would follow this type of training and what kind of positive effect it would have on the world!
    Thanks,
    John

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  5. sjtjr2000 Avatar
    sjtjr2000

    I only have a 5 minute drive to and from work and don’t have a cd or tape player in my car even if I did have a longer commute. That makes it more difficult to find time to listen to cds.

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  6. Cathy - Team Rascals Avatar
    Cathy – Team Rascals

    Chris,
    On my drive time, I am frequently on the phone. I use the time to check in with running mates, team members and family.
    So, I burn my CD’s into my computer, download them into my iPod and listen to them on it while I am at work.
    My desk and cube are small enough not to easily accommodate a CD player and stash of CD’s. With my iPod, I can carry hundreds of hours of them around with me in a little package that fits quite nicely in my purse!
    On slow days, when the workload is lighter, I am able to listen to 4 to 6 while I work. On harder days, when the workload is huge and needs my full attention for a lot of the time, I only manage 2 or 3.
    Oh, and I just love my breaks and lunch time for reading . . . I am so hungry for information since coming back from Louisville!!
    The iPod method also helps my husband, who has about a 5 minute commute. He can’t have his in his office, so he listens while he’s doing chores around the house, on his headphones. He loves to read right before bed, using the time while I am getting ready for bed.

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  7. m Avatar

    I love all the Cd’s and it has changed my life. The Team system rocks. It is only going to get better. See You all at the Top.

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  8. Josh Mauzy Avatar
    Josh Mauzy

    Chris,
    Thank you for the awesome perspective! I have noticed that after the habit of audio learning has been In place for a while the world is a little brighter. Mindless repetition from the radio would put me in a trance, one where I could be numb to the problems of the day. Never challenging myself to grow or change I would find the same wall in my path day after day. The new habit of learning due to audio education has given me the slight edge to out grow the obstacles in life. Thank you for all the hard work that yourself and the PC have put in! It has provided an opportunity that will truly make the difference in my friends, family, and faith. Fired up!!!:)

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