If you are reading this, you are already ahead

If you are reading this, you are already aheadIf you are reading this, you are already aheadI recently spoke with one of my students about her challenge to find a new job. Like you, she reads these types of personal development articles.And she invests a lot of time in her own education. After speaking to her, I was convinced she would be an asset to any company that hired her.However, she didnt feel the same certainty as I did.But what if everybody else is trying the same strategies to get a job?Like many people who invest a lot in their education, she assumed that literally every single other person on planet earth is doing the same. And that her chances to land a great job diminished because of that.Im here to tell you thats not the case at all.In my experience, the percentage of people who invest in their education after school is meager.But when youre in a learning bubble, its hard to believe that not everybody is doing the same things as you. After all, personal development tru ly works. So you think to yourself Why wouldnt everybody use the advice that is widely available on the internet?Thats why its easy to assume that everyone is trying to get ahead.So if you ever worry about your competition at work or in the business world, DONT.Even though you might be surrounded by people who learn a lot, online or offline, were leise part of the minority.The majority of people still prefers a life of entertainment and leisure. Thats always been the case. And I dont think any signs point toward a significant change.Relax keep learningLighten up. Relax your muscles. Get rid of that tense face. Dont worry. And have faith in yourself.Every minute that youre investing in yourself will have a return. You just dont know when that is.Maybe its tomorrow, or maybe its in 10 years.Who knows?Thats the whole idea behind improving yourself. You dont know when you need those skills. But there WILL come a time when you can use everything youve learned. And in hindsight, it will all make sense.But looking forward, nothing makes sense. As Steve Jobs saidYou cant connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.You also have to trust yourself. And realize that every single minute you spend on your own education and development, youre getting ahead of the people who are not.Sure, life is not a race. But still, you can use the idea that it is a race, to keep improving yourself.But theres one condition Dont underestimate yourself.A lot of people say that theres a difference between knowing something and doing something. They suggest that theory is not as good as experience.I think that idea is overrated. Both theory and experience are equally important. You cant pick one over the other. And they are closely connected.You might read about something first and then do it. Or, you might do something, and then start studying it, so you get better.It doesnt matter.Let go of all your assumptions about learning.Look at your own skills. And most importantly Focus on how YOU can help other people or businesses.Because why would you even care about what other people are doing? Thats just fear.The fear of failure.The fear of rejection.The fear of loss.The fear of starting all over again.So what? As long as youre getting better, you can handle everything that life throws at you.Dont wish your life was different. Accept any situation you are in. Realize that youre there for a reason.All that you have to do now is easy Make whatever it is that you want, HAPPEN.Thisarticlefirst appeared onDarius Foroux.