What a month!
If you had told me at the start of October 2026 that the next 31 days would involve piloting a aircraft, diving into marine conservation, getting coached by executive pros, and reimagining business analytics, I’m not sure I would have believed you.
None of it was part of a grand master plan. But looking back, the month turned into an unexpected, high-energy masterclass in continuous learning and a reminder that growth isn't something that happens in a vacuum or ends when you leave a classroom.
Overcoming the "Bundle of Nerves" at 1,000 Feet
It all started at Key West Flight Academy in Marathon, FL. I was standing outside a Cessna 172, about to take a discovery flight, and absolute panic took over.
My mind was racing: Can I actually do this? Should I be doing this? I’m about to fly a plane!
Even knowing I had an experienced instructor right next to me who wouldn't let anything happen, that intense and sudden wave of panic was real. But I took a breath, climbed into the cockpit, and took the controls anyway.
It turned out to be one of the single most thrilling accomplishments of my life (right up there with driving a race car!). Yes, there was ground school involved, but the real breakthrough came the moment I took the yoke and just did it.
The Lesson from a 20-Something and a Retiree
A few days later, a friend and I visited Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. We spent time learning about loggerhead and green sea turtle research, but what struck me most wasn't just the marine biology, it was the people sharing it.
We spoke with a college undergrad researcher excited about her post-graduation plans. A few minutes later, we spoke with a gentleman well into his retirement years, mirroring that exact same passion and fire.
Seeing those two perspectives proved something fundamental: Regardless of your age or stage in life, you can learn absolutely anything if you stay open to it.
Learning isn't just about professional advancement; it is food for the mind, body, and soul. It’s what keeps us sharp, and vibrant. Curiosity is the ultimate fountain of youth.
Shifting from Classroom to Real-World Impact
The rest of the month kept that momentum going.
Since I had some time off, I decided to attend my first International Coaching Federation (ICF) conference. As a sales coach, I wanted to see how the pros work. And let me tell you: I. Got. Coached.
The biggest takeaway that hit me? "Emotions are information, use them accordingly." I walked away with powerful new coaching questions and a refreshed view to bring back into my day-to-day work.
I finished off the month at Brandon Hall Group’s Summit, diving deep into connecting learning data to business decisions. One question posed in an example survey to learners during the sessions stopped me in my tracks: Which of the following skills will be improved after taking this course?
That question brought the whole month full circle. Half of my learning this October came from structured event settings,but the other half came from stepping into the unknown, getting hands-on, and simply trying.
Sparking the Fire
There is something exciting about stepping outside your routine, discovering something new, and sharing that spark with others. What piques my interest might not be what pique yours and that’s the beauty of it.
The key isn't what you're learning; it's that you're trying. You're stretching. You're refusing to stay static.
My ultimate goal, in my career and long after I retire, is to ignite that same passion in others. I want to help people see what they are truly capable of, to show them that there is a massive world out there waiting to be explored, and to tell others that learning is never boring when you follow your curiosity.
So, here's my challenge to you as we turn the calendar page: What is one thing you’ve been hesitant to try, simply because it’s new?
Climb into the cockpit. Ask the question. Be the beginner. You might just surprise yourself with how far you fly.
