In our journey towards growth and professional excellence, there’s a principle that, when embraced, can profoundly impact our personal and career trajectories. Earlier this year, I discovered the “Law of Use,” a concept that has since become a cornerstone of my philosophy. Whether it came to me by inspiration or through an external source, its importance is undeniable. Simply put, the Law of Use asserts that whatever skills, knowledge, or resources we do not actively employ will eventually diminish or be lost entirely.

This concept is a timeless truth, evident in various aspects of life and history. Think of an athlete who stops training or a musician who ceases to practice. Over time, their abilities wane. The Law of Use can be summarized succinctly: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This principle is equally applicable to our professional skills and personal growth. Early in my career, a seasoned mentor frequently reminded me, “Knowledge without application is like a car without fuel.” Initially, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of this statement, but through years of experience, its wisdom has become increasingly clear.

The Importance of Application

Renowned speaker Jim Rohn encapsulated the essence of the Law of Use when he said, “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” Jim Rohn’s message is clear: consistent application of your skills and knowledge is the key to success. It’s not about occasional bursts of effort but about the daily, disciplined use of your abilities.

When we acquire new knowledge or skills, it’s crucial to apply them as soon as possible. This active use reinforces learning and ensures that our skills remain sharp. Consider the story of Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors. Edison did not just accumulate knowledge; he constantly applied what he knew to solve problems and create innovative solutions. His relentless experimentation and practical application of ideas led to the invention of the electric light bulb, among many other groundbreaking achievements. Edison’s life exemplifies the Law of Use — by continually using his knowledge and skills, he achieved extraordinary success.

In our own lives, merely acquiring knowledge or developing skills is not enough. We must actively seek ways to apply them in our daily activities. This could mean taking on new projects at work, volunteering in our communities, or pursuing personal hobbies that challenge us to grow.

When I started out in leadership, I learned about various leadership techniques and theories. Instead of merely storing this knowledge away, I began implementing these strategies with the various teams I have been privileged to be part of, either as a member or team leader. The results have been remarkable. Not only did these applications contribute significantly to the teams, but they also helped me develop a deeper understanding and mastery of leadership principles.

Applying the Law of Use to Yourself

The Law of Use is a fundamental principle that can significantly enhance your personal and professional life. Applying this law means more than just using your skills and knowledge sporadically; it involves consistent, deliberate practice and continual improvement. Here are some detailed strategies to ensure you are consistently applying your skills and knowledge, especially as a professional or business leader:

1. Engage in Continuous Learning and Implementation:

Continuous learning is a major component of personal and professional development. However, learning alone is not enough; it must be paired with immediate implementation. Here’s how you can do it:

• Stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and techniques in your field. Make it a habit to learn something new regularly. Whether it’s a new software tool, a management technique, or industry knowledge. Subscribe to industry journals, attend webinars, and take online courses.
• When you learn, apply what you learnt. Find opportunities to implement new knowledge as soon as possible. For instance, if you learn a new project management technique, use it in your next project. Immediate application reinforces learning and helps you internalize new concepts.
• Create a learning schedule that works for you. Dedicate specific times each week to learning and practicing new skills. This could be through reading, taking online courses, or experimenting with new techniques.

2. Seek Feedback and Reflect:

One of the important things that has helped me in my growth journey is continually seeking for feedback. Feedback is essential for growth. It provides insights into your performance and areas where you can improve. Here’s how to effectively seek and use feedback:

• Solicit Constructive Criticism: Don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Ask colleagues, mentors, and supervisors for their honest opinions about your work.
• Reflect on the Feedback Received: Take time to reflect on the feedback you receive. Consider how you can incorporate it into your practice. Reflection helps you understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Set Improvement Goals: Based on the feedback, set specific, measurable goals for improvement. For instance, if feedback indicates you need to improve your presentation skills, set a goal to practice public speaking regularly.

3. Engage in Professional Communities:

Join industry groups, attend conferences, and participate in discussions. These platforms offer opportunities to apply your knowledge, share insights, and learn from others. You can look out for and become a member of professional organizations related to your field. These groups often provide resources, networking opportunities, and forums for discussion. You can also attend and participate in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events are excellent for learning new skills, gaining insights, and networking with peers. In addition, get involved and engage in online discussions and forums. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of others. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and specialized industry forums can be valuable in this regard.

4. Mentorship and Coaching:

Both giving and receiving mentorship can reinforce your knowledge. Identify someone with experience and expertise in your field who can guide you. A mentor can provide valuable insights, advice, and support. You may consider professional coaching for personalized guidance and feedback. Coaches can help you set and achieve specific goals, overcome challenges, and stay accountable.

It is also important to also find someone else to mentor in your journey. Don’t wait till you have reached the pinnacle of your career or business, teaching others is one of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding, help provide you with new perspectives and applications of your skills.

5. Practical Implementation in Your Daily Routine:

Find ways to incorporate the Law of Use into your daily routine to ensure you are consistently applying your skills and knowledge. Here are some practical steps in this regard:

• Start Small: Begin with small, manageable tasks that allow you to apply your skills regularly. For instance, if you’re learning a new language, practice it daily through short conversations or writing exercises.
• Gradually Increase Complexity: As you become more comfortable, gradually take on more complex tasks. This continuous progression ensures that your skills are always being challenged and developed.
• Document Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a digital tool to track your progress. Documenting your efforts helps you stay focused and motivated.

6. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

As you go about implementing the Law of Use in your life and professional journey, it is important to adopt a growth mindset. A growth mindset refers to the belief that your knowledge and abilities are not stagnant but can be improved.  Here’s how you can develop and maintain a growth mindset in applying the Law of Use:

• Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles. Tackling difficult tasks head-on can help you develop resilience and improve your skills.
• Learn from Failure: Don’t fear failure; instead, see it as a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong, identify what you can do differently next time, and apply those lessons.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating progress keeps you motivated and reinforces the value of continual improvement.

7. Regular Review and Adjustment:

As you apply this law to your life and career, it is important that you set out time to regularly review your progress and make necessary adjustments. This will help you stay on track with your goals. Schedule regular check-ins to review your goals and assess your progress, with yourself or with an accountability partner. This could be either weekly or monthly. Based on your review, adjust your strategies to ensure you are continually moving forward. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change your approach.

Concluding Thoughts

Applying the Law of Use to yourself is not a one-off thing but a continuous process of learning, practicing, and improving. As John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, emphasizes in his book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, growth doesn’t just happen — it requires deliberate action and constant use of our abilities. Just as a muscle grows stronger with use, so too does our mind and our abilities. Embrace the Law of Use by making the conscious effort to apply what you know, and watch as your career and personal growth reach new heights.