"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." -Harry S. Truman, Thirty-third President of the United States, Harry S. Truman books//

Learning new things is exciting, but it may not be the best way to increase your productivity. Why? Because it takes a lot of effort to learn something new. Your brain has to create all new files, folders and storage locations, and you have to train yourself how to recall the new information when needed. It expands your toolbox, which may be necessary and useful; however, if you haven't mastered how to use the tools already in the box, then does it really help you to throw in some more?

This 'jack-of-all-trades' approach to personal or professional development happens all of the time. You go to training seminars, development workshops and get an assigned reading list. All of these activities teach you great new things to help you improve your performance in work and/or life, but after a while, you end up with a box full of tools that are rarely used.

If you really want to improve your productivity at work or in life, then it is essential that you learn how to do the things you already know better. You should identify and develop skills from 'good' to 'great' status.

Performance is directly related to a combination of skill, knowledge and natural ability, so I'm not saying that learning new things isn't useful. I am saying, though, that productivity increases faster and more dramatically by developing skills, rather than by expanding knowledge.

Once you've mastered a particular skill and been able to see demonstrated increases in productivity, then move on to learning something new or adding another tool to your box.

Resist the urge to become a 'jack-of-all-trades' because it usually means that you're a master of none of them. Maximum productivity is the result of skill mastery and application, and this is also the only way to achieve expert status. By becoming an expert in one or a few areas, you will stand out in the crowd, be more valuable to your employer and enhance your own self-image.

Now, if you are one of the unfortunate people who don't know jack, well....you may want to break out the books or sign-up for the next development class.

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