Broaden Your Horizon

I read a lot of things, and I try to broaden the spectrum of topics as much as I can, as much as it interests me.

For example, when I started in my current IT domain, I started with C/C++. Then Java. Then I played around with Ruby. Limited python. I expanded out. I read up on IT networks. Web development. Database. Even some administration.

Now I expand out to project management. IT service management. Enterprise Architecture. IT Governance.

On the side, I read articles like Wired and Edge. I got interested in MITSloan and Harvard Business Review. Economists look interesting but expensive. Thinking of getting some of LKY's books.

So why such a broad spectrum?

Many would argue for specialization. I wholeheartedly agree. That is, however, not a call to ignore the world around you. It is critical to be aware of how things work, even on a surface level.

Firstly, knowledge pollinate across domains as well. Many things you learn in one programming language could be applied on another (not naturally, but still possible). Concepts are general. Toyota LEAN was from manufacturing, but it had spread across industries. No knowledge gained is a waste.

Secondly, a diverse range of topics keeps your brain working. It becomes better at picking up new knowledge, better at identifying common patterns/concepts. It allows YOURSELF receptive to new idea, and look at things from many different ideas.

Start today. Go pick up a book and start reading. Even if it is not immediately and directly applicable to your work. Sometimes, you might find something new that interest you, or give you a whole new direction in your career.