I recently saw this phrase on the front of a t-shirt: Train you must. I don’t learn a lot of good life lessons by reading t-shirts—most verbiage written on t-shirts is trivial—but this got my attention and has kept it.
Training is the best way to develop skills and make progress. Reading books is good, listening to podcasts and lectures helps, invigorating experiences contribute to our lives, but training is the best way to become a better, more competent person. To become a physician, pilot, musician, writer, teacher, manager, one must commit to the discipline of training.
Here are characteristics of what good training involves. Training:
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- Requires a considered commitment. In order to train, you might have to give up something, like time or resources.
- Takes time. You’ll not complete training for a significant skill in a day; it will likely take years.
- Focuses your attention.
- Requires a disciplined approach. One doesn’t casually or flippantly train. There’s usually a structure to work within and a curriculum to complete.
- Includes a measurable outcome. Most disciplines offer a test/certification.
- Usually involves a coach, someone who will observe you in real time and give you immediate feedback.
- Produces a usable skill.
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Years ago I aspired to be a wine expert. Because of my religious upbringing, I didn’t even taste wine until I was 44 years old, but when I learned that the Bible doesn’t prohibit drinking wine, I became interested in the world of wine. There are three organizations that offer certifications in wine: Society of Wine Educators, WSET, and the Court of Master Sommeliers. I pursued certifications in all three. I committed to train to become a wine expert.
I read extensively (I have 36 books in my library about wine), I trained with the Dallas chapter of Wine Sommeliers, I memorized charts, graphs, and theory, I studied with a Master of Wine, and attended seminars and weekly blind-tastings. Eventually, I passed exams with all three agencies.
After studying for five years I sensed that my understanding of wine would not be complete until I actually grew and processed my own grapes, so six years ago I planted a small vineyard in East Texas and have produced wine from three harvests. I grow grapes, harvest, press, ferment, and bottle. I’ve learned a lot.
What training program are you currently involved in? Are you encouraging your children and grandchildren to commit to a training program?
Don, as you well know, delayed gratification is a significant component of a commitment to training, especially if the subject is all-consuming. You mention 5-6 professions or responsibilities. Not all folks are equipped for the necessary persistence tenacity, or self-sacrifice required to accomplish a task which could extend nearly a decade or greater, whether full or part-time.
Thanks for your persistence in posting these reminders.
Roger, you add a great thought to this conversation: training requires a commitment to delayed gratification. It’s an investment in your future. I’m sure those of you who are physicians became weary of the years of training you had to endure just to do what you wanted to do. Thanks for our friendship. Don
Many Thanks Don, (Darrell Simmerman here)
“All of that you said”, plus a thought or two.
My jobs have often involved OJT (On Job Training) or LAYGO (Learn as you go).
When I became proficient, I’d still continue employing the adage:
“If you want to learn something well…Teach it…”
And I have been blessed mostly with success in my life.”
Poem to share:
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by Darrell Simmerman 2025/2026
To show His love,
Our God did send,
His one and only Son,
To save from sin,
We mortals hear, that
“This is not the end.”
Yes, We offend,
Our God above,
Yes, we were born in sin.
Please, God forgive,
We’ll make amends, since,
“This is not the end.”
We travel through,
This life we wend,
With Son of Man as Friend.
We have no fear,
Since He is near, knowing,
“This is not the end.”
This life on earth,
With such few years,
Know Death it will attend.
Yet we have Faith,
And Hope is dear, that,
“This is not the end.”
And when the veil,
On life descends,
And closes out our case,
We’ll know for sure,
That Truth endured, and,
“It was not the end.” D.Simmerman
Darrell, thanks for responding to my posts…and thanks for the poem. On the job training is often the best available. We can learn by doing. Take care, Don.