Learning and Growing: By Default or By Design 
Do you remember the movie “Short Circuit?” It’s one of my all time favorites (and since my 6 year old son loved it, I got to see it at least 50 times). In the movie the robot, Johnny 5 comes alive and he has an insatiable desire for “input” which is readily available. Road signs, television shows, commercials, people and their conversations, encyclopedias (this was before the internet) and everything Johnny 5 comes into contact with provides him with the input he desires. As he continues to quench his thirst for input he begins to develop opinions, passion and purpose. He no longer falls among the ranks of robots simply following a prescribed plan and rules provided by others. He chose to learn and grow by design rather than by default with information selected by others and programmed into his circuitry. In doing so, Johnny 5 comes alive, enjoys an exciting life filled with adventures, the thrills of life’s ups and downs and develops amazing relationships with people he cares about.
In reflecting further, I realize that we are similar to Johnny 5 and whether we learn by default or by design impacts the direction and quality of our lives. From the time we’re born we are constantly receiving new information and data and being influenced and programmed by our surroundings. As we grow and reach adulthood it becomes our responsibility to intentionally and carefully select the ‘input’ we want. Failure to choose for ourselves is in fact choosing default programming by default.
Since you’re reading this post, I know that you too have “come alive,” that you are thirsty for “input” and that you choose to carefully and purposefully select that input. What else do I know about you? That you desire (and are living) a purposeful, passionate life and that you’re willing to put effort into experiencing that life. That you believe in continuous learning by design.
Join me this Wednesday, April 27th at 9 am for *WOW* Wednesdays where I’ll be sharing a special message designed to fill your cup with great ‘input’ and supporting your purposeful and passionate life! CLICK HERE NOW to register.



