The Three Phases of an Extraordinary Life:

 Learn, Earn, and Return

"Learn as if you will live forever; live like you will die tomorrow. Earn with integrity, and return with generosity." — Anonymous

Why Lifelong Growth Leads to Lasting Impact

I once heard the great John Maxwell say, "Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow is going to get better." The older I get, the more I realize how true that statement is. Life isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of phases—each building on the last, each preparing us for what’s next.

Many people never fully engage with all three phases, and as a result, they never experience the depth of fulfillment they could. If you genuinely want to lead an extraordinary life, you must move through these three stages: Learning, Earning, and Returning.

Phase One: Learning – The Foundation of All Success

"There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning." — Jiddu Krishnamurti

We are born with a natural curiosity. Each of us has an insatiable hunger to understand the world around us. The most successful people never lose that drive. They remain students, always searching for ways to improve.

Why Learning Matters

• 85% of financial success is attributed to soft skills like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence—not just technical ability. (Carnegie Institute of Technology)
• The average CEO reads 50 books per year. That’s almost a book per week.
• Warren Buffett spends 80% of his day reading and thinking.

The Parable of the Lumberjack

Two lumberjacks started their careers on the same day. One worked tirelessly, never taking a break. The other spent an hour each day sharpening his axe. By the end of the week, the second lumberjack had cut down twice as many trees.

The lesson? If you never take time to sharpen your mind and never invest in learning, you’ll work harder but never smarter.

The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, you start declining.

Ask Yourself:

1. When did you last learn something new that challenged you?
2. Do you dedicate time each day to sharpening your skills?
3. Who are you surrounding yourself with—people who encourage learning or those who remain stagnant?

Phase Two: Earning – The Value Exchange

"If you're not learning while you're earning, you're cheating yourself out of the

better portion of your compensation." — Napoleon Hill

After learning comes earning, which means applying knowledge to create value in the marketplace. But here’s the harsh truth: You don’t get paid what you want. You get paid what you’re worth.

Why Mastering a Skill Increases Your Earnings

• 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is what separates experts from amateurs. (The Talent Code, Daniel Coyle)
• Employees who continue learning earn 25% more over their careers than those who don’t. (Harvard Business Review)
• The highest-paid professionals spend 5x more time developing their skills than their peers.

The Domino’s Pizza Turnaround: Small Adjustments, Big Results

In the early 2000s, Domino’s Pizza was struggling. Sales were down, customer satisfaction was low, and they were losing to competitors. Instead of making massive changes, they made one key adjustment: they listened to customer feedback and drastically improved their pizza recipe.

The result? Sales skyrocketed, their stock price jumped over 5,000% in a decade, and they became dominant in the industry.

The same applies to individuals. Sometimes, one slight improvement, like learning how to close deals better, improving customer service, or refining your daily habits, can lead to massive financial success.

Ask Yourself:

1. What one skill could you improve that would immediately increase your earning potential?
2. Are you actively seeking feedback and making adjustments or just hoping for better results?
3. How often do you invest in yourself financially—through books, courses, or mentorship?

Phase Three: Returning – The Legacy Phase

"Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach." — Aristotle

At some point, success isn’t just about what you gain. It’s about what you give. The most fulfilled people in the world don’t just keep what they’ve earned; they find ways to give it back.

The Two Ways to Return

1. Knowledge Return: Teaching, mentoring, and coaching the next generation.
2. Financial Return: Using wealth to impact communities, charities, and global initiatives.

MacKenzie Scott: The Billionaire Who Gives It Away

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, could have chosen to sit on her billions and enjoy the high life. Instead, she gave away over $14 billion to organizations fighting poverty, racial injustice, and education gaps. Unlike traditional philanthropists, she doesn’t wait years to donate. She gives fast and with minimal red tape, ensuring her wealth has an immediate impact.

Her philosophy? If you can give, why wait?

You don’t have to be a billionaire to make a difference. Giving back, whether through mentorship, charitable donations, or community service, creates a ripple effect that outlives you.

Ask Yourself:

1. How are you using your knowledge and experience to help others grow?
2. What causes or communities could benefit from your success?
3. If you left your career tomorrow, what legacy would you leave behind?

Conclusion: What Phase Are You In?

Life isn’t about getting stuck in one phase. It’s about moving through them intentionally.

1. Are you still learning? Keep growing. Keep sharpening your axe.
2. Are you earning? Master your craft and maximize your value.
3. Are you returning? Find ways to give back and build a legacy.

If you want to lead an extraordinary life, you must commit to all three phases—because true success isn’t just about what you achieve but what you leave behind.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY OF GREATNESS