Thanks to their breadth of talent and experience, well-rounded people can contribute a lot to conversation, relationships, and life in general. They’ll be able to navigate topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, politics, travel, and fitness without missing a beat.
Need a couple of examples? Take a look at the bio for Steve Streit of SWS Venture Capital. You’ll notice that he has a diverse background as a venture capitalist and experience in filmmaking and philanthropy. Or check out the LinkedIn profile of Mary Ann Gomez Orta, who runs the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. She’s done everything from teaching at a prestigious university to marketing popular beer brands.
If you’d like to become more well-rounded, you’re not alone. Many people would like to cultivate their skills and knowledge to add value to others, whether in personal relationships or business. With that in mind, here are a few tips you can use to become more well-rounded.
Become a Reader
It’s not easy to make time to read in today’s fast-paced world. Between jobs, family responsibilities, and friends, it can be hard to squeeze in an hour or two for reading.
However, reading is one of the best ways to enhance your knowledge and become more well-rounded, especially if you don’t stick to one genre. For example, if you usually enjoy reading historical fiction, try picking up a book about finance or a biography of someone successful.
The easiest way to ensure you always have time to read is to incorporate reading into your weekly routine and stick with it. You could read for a half hour before going to bed. If you’re a morning person, set aside time to read before beginning your busy day. You might not be able to keep up with Warren Buffett’s 500 pages per day reading habit, but you can try!
Stay Abreast of the News, and Open Your Mind
Most people check the news at least once a day, whether reading articles on their phones or watching the news on TV. But few people turn this habit into one that can edify themselves.
To further broaden your understanding of current events, consider reading articles that tackle various points of view — beyond just your own. Reading articles from multiple viewpoints can stimulate your thinking, allowing you to develop your own informed opinion that doesn’t strictly align with one side or the other.
Some news organizations are known for in-depth analysis of critical topics. For example, the Economist regularly publishes long-form articles on various domestic and geo-political subjects. The Harvard Business Review is known for its well-sourced, thorough reporting on business topics.
The more quality information you consume, the better you’ll be able to participate in intelligent conversations at work and in personal relationships.
Become a Volunteer
Well-rounded individuals make time for volunteering. Take Bill Gates, for instance — a well-known volunteer interested in fighting poverty and inequality worldwide. His charity, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is devoted to the cause.
If you don’t have time for a regular, long-term commitment as a volunteer, consider short-term opportunities or one-time events. You’ll leave with a sense of satisfaction for your work, which will likely encourage you to return for similar events.
Consider Traveling Outside Your Comfort Zone
One of the best ways to become more well-rounded is through travel. If you can afford to, consider taking a trip to a country you’ve never been to. Once you arrive, enjoy your time there, but don’t spend all your time at the hotel or on tour excursions. Instead, spend a few days doing what you’d do at home, like shopping for groceries or getting a haircut.
Living like a local — even if only for a few days — allows you to appreciate the differences between life as you know it and how other people live it. You may discover things you’ve never tried before, such as new foods or drinks. You’ll probably come back with some great stories to tell, which can be fascinating to people who haven’t had the chance to experience what you did.
Being Well-Rounded Adds Value to Your Life
When you get out of your comfort zone and become more well-rounded, you’ll learn things you can apply to your work and personal relationships. You may discover new ideas that can positively impact your business, and you’ll be more interesting to be around.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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