Automobile University – Invest in Your Growth

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Growth, a fundamental human need!

Why is growth so desirable – so necessary? What is it with this need to continually cultivate, learn and develop ourselves? Is the obsession an attachment to our curiosity? Is it a method of developing self-importance and meaning? Does growth assist our progression? And for what purpose? Does it fulfil life’s greatest purpose – survival? And what is the purpose beyond survival?

Growing up, my memory of school was that I didn’t have to much interest in learning. I was marked as an average student. Better at math and science than I was at English. I was curious. I liked to play and build things with my hands. However, this concept of growth, personal development and progression was mostly absent.

After school, my enthusiasm for learning and growth was no larger. In my circle, friends, family, teachers and others, it wasn’t much talked about. I cannot remember it being encouraged. Perhaps I was blind to the opportunities. I share no blame or regret but I do wonder why something so important and fundamental to our wellbeing didn’t seem to be a top priority nor a topic of conversation. Was it any different for you?

We are always learning and growing. Yes, while we can become comfortable in our environment and ways, as I have, life is a sequence of events, lessons, and stored memory that continually adds to the construction of who we are, who we become. The level of input we have towards that varies.

It wasn’t until my mid to late 20’s that I started to invest in my self-growth. My mentor at the time, David T.S. Wood, said to me, “the best investment you can make is the investment in yourself.” Not to be interpreted as a hedonistic investment – the engagement in pleasure seeking or self-indulgent activities. Instead, it’s an investment in one’s self-development.

It is about that time when I began to appreciate the real value of learning, in developing myself for the benefit of my future and the quality of my life.

For some people, the passion for growth and eagerness to learn and discover new things may come earlier in life. For others like myself, it can come later in life. Reflecting back on my life, I believe that I’ve always had a growth mindset – “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” Carol Dweck

I’ve always had a positive and determined attitude to go after those things I desire in life. Never been shy of trying something new and doing what it takes to get things done. My impatient nature combined with the heredity of my mother, a woman who is always busy, I could never sit still. Despite all this, I still feel my investment in my personal development waned.

Perhaps I became misguided by my pleasure-seeking desires. A search for money to pay for stuff I really didn’t need. I like a minimalist approach to life, maybe I always have. However, like most of us, we fall into the consumer trap that taints modern life.

When I began investing more time, energy and money in myself improvement I noticed a gradual decline in the unnecessary. Not because I had no time or money for those other things but simply because my curiosity and craving for knowledge and learning became something I was very passionate about. Passion rules!

Growth is directly linked to freedom, fulfilment and happiness. When we partake in growth activities we gain a sense of progression. There is little in life that brings us greater satisfaction. Materialism included. Science and psychology prove that growth activities lead to longer and healthier lives. It has arguably given me purpose and meaning in my life.

Welcome to automobile university. Apologies for the long-winded introduction. A guest on The Hidden Why recently mentioned this practice in our conversation, hence my writing this article. It is a practice that I began several years back, again inspired by my mentor.

What is it? The idea behind automobile university is to educate yourself while you drive. In a nutshell, the average person spends a large amount of time in commute. In Australia, the average is said to be around 53 minutes a day or 4.4 hours per week. I believe the statistics in the US are higher. To complete a university degree requires about 10 to 12 hours per week. Our commute to and from work each day can be time spent towards acquiring new degrees. Of course, not in the literal sense.

I have nothing against listening to tasteful music or random DJ banter however when I became hooked on learning my car audio became dedicated to podcasts and audiobooks of choice. At first, it was broad and over time it became more niched as I discovered my deeper passions and that which sparked my curiosity and interest.

Every day I am going to university. It not only makes my commute more purposeful but the joy and fulfilment I get from learning something new every day is irreplaceable. I love it!

In summary, growth is powerful. We all must partake in daily activities of self-enhancement. If we can aim to be a little bit better than we were yesterday, we will find a greater sense of accomplishment, and that speaks in volumes when it comes to the quality of life we live. Find what excites you, what you are passionate about and make your automobile a university. I can guarantee it will give you a more profound sense of purpose in life.

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.