At an entrepreneurship program in college, one of the mentors remarked that all knowledge we collect throughout life are data points which inform us to take better decisions in the future. I have found this piece of advice to be applicable for everything – books I read, content I watch, new roles at work and diverse experiences I try.

Seeing new knowledge from this lens has helped in three ways.

One, view nothing as wasted knowledge. Even if we don’t use the skills learnt in a course directly, we will still end up gaining other things – network, connection or simply the knowledge of what does not interest us.

Two, when I feel undecided for too long about trying something new, it is better to go for it rather than staying still. The new data point will pivot me in some direction that is not possible when I am just waiting in place.

Three, become more deliberate about the content and experiences I spend time accumulating knowledge from to get more effective data points that are aligned with my own personal goals.