Poplin Pursuits: The Pursuit of Knowledge and Excellence
In this blog post, we explore the importance for the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, and how it helped us. As well as, how it shapes individuals, societies, and the world we live in.
Hey, what’s up, I’m Ashley Poplin. My husband, Alex, and I decided that we were tired of living in the societal matrix. We completely started over by quitting our jobs and moving to our dream location in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Now, we pursue knowledge and excellence in everything we do. Come along with us and enjoy our Poplin Pursuits.
Where We Started
“What is going on in the world?”
“What is wrong with people?”
“I hate going anywhere”
All things I used to say on an almost daily basis. I was tired of driving an hour to work (one way) to make enough money to just scrape by. I’d come home and stare at my phone, the tv, the computer for hours. Passing the time to do it all over again the next day. I struggled with personal relationships, communication, anxiety, depression… the list goes on.
My husband and I were looking to buy a house during the 2020/21 housing market craze in Jacksonville, Fl. The places we even had a possibility of getting were… we’ll just say, not great places to raise kids. We wanted out.
Out of Jacksonville, out of that way of living, and out of the mindset of those we were surrounded by. We began to shift our own mindsets and make shit happen.
The pursuit of knowledge and the quest for excellence are intertwined. Both fuel personal growth, innovation, and progress. All of us are surrounded by great achievements, yet it seems important things like social connection, hope, trust, and personal development are diminished.
The Power of Lifelong Learning:
Throughout history, humanity has been driven by a relentless thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering desire for excellence. So, where did it go?
The pursuit is a lifelong journey, with learning extending far beyond the confines of formal education. It involves a continuous process of exploring new ideas, acquiring new skills, and broadening our understanding of the world.
In today’s instant gratification mindset, it’s no wonder that drive has been reduced.
However, the beautiful nature of what we’re talking about here is – choice. We all have the choice to get our heads out of the sand. Resist the need for instant gratification and pursue learning in a healthy way.
A choice. A choice to consciously engage in learning. To expand our horizons, stimulate critical thinking, and foster personal, as well as, professional growth.
We have been unwilling to see truth. In the age of information we choose to believe what we want and give so much power to our own beliefs we take away from the ability to learn from others.
This was the first mindset shift I had to make. I had to understand that facts are facts and my feelings are my own. The unpopular opinions may be unpopular for a reason, but that doesn’t make them wrong. It also means that sometimes my feelings are rooted in something outside of the catalyst. Doesn’t mean the feelings are wrong it just means sometimes the emotion isn’t the other person’s problem.
Empowering Personal Development:
How do you unlock your full potential? Choose to.
We’re choosing to acquire new knowledge, gain insight, perspective, and tools that enhance our abilities, broaden our perspectives, and strengthen our problem-solving skills.
It has ignited a passion for continuous improvement. It’s what motivates us to push beyond our limits, and fosters a growth mindset that embraces challenges.
It’s creating opportunities for self-improvement that we’ve chosen to explore and share with you.
Embracing Continuous Improvement:
How has the pursuit of knowledge snowballed our mindsets?
Excellence is not a destination but a journey. It is a constant pursuit of becoming better versions of ourselves and striving for greatness in our endeavors.
The pursuit of excellence compels us to set high standards, seek continuous improvement, and embrace a mindset of never settling for mediocrity. It encourages us to push past our comfort zones, embrace challenges, and persistently refine our skills and abilities.
It allows us to honor accountability for everyone around us for the betterment of everyone.
Embracing Humility and Lifelong Growth:
The pursuit of knowledge and excellence humbles us by reminding us of the vastness of the world and our limited understanding.
The pursuit encourages humility and a willingness to learn from others.
This was THE hardest part to wrap my head around. I am stubborn, overly critical, and can easily harness the power of the victim mindset.
I’ll get into the victim mindset another day, but essentially it put a filter over reality. Especially in moments I felt stressed or out of control. I would spin a situation to protect my ego. To make me the better person – the better partner.
I still struggle with it a lot.
It took a lot of error and the willingness of someone else to help me even understand that’s what I was doing.
True excellence is not driven by ego but by a deep respect for the knowledge and expertise of others. It fosters a collaborative spirit, encourages mentorship, and cultivates a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Making a Positive Impact:
The pursuit of knowledge and excellence has the power to make a profound impact on individuals, communities, and the world.
It’s amazing what happens when you begin to approach situations with willingness and humility.
As someone important to me once said, “It’s all about the approach.”
As a whole, we can contribute to solving complex problems, driving social progress, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
In reality though, you can learn so much from a person. Even those you think you have nothing to learn from (still that ego popping up). And when you use that knowledge to make a difference in someone’s life then you’ve disrupted the pattern.
You’ll begin to motivate those around you. Creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond your own achievements.
Wrap Up:
The pursuit of knowledge and excellence is a lifelong journey that enriches our lives, fuels innovation, and contributes to the progress of society.
It empowers personal development, cultivates innovation and creativity, and inspires continuous improvement.
By embracing the pursuit of knowledge and striving for excellence, we unlock our full potential, make a positive impact, and leave a lasting legacy.
So join us as we embark on this never-ending journey, fueled by curiosity, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.