Aram Andreasyan
May 2, 2025

The Edge of Excellence | Mastering Growth and Time Management

In the ever-evolving world of design, adaptability, and growth are essential. My journey has taken me through collaborations with top industry experts, learning from renowned mentors, and leading high-impact projects. These experiences have not only refined my leadership skills but also allowed me to shape strategies for major companies. Beyond my professional growth, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring emerging designers and guiding them toward success. Through it all, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about a commitment to continuous learning and effective time management.

Aram Andreasyan

The Power of Lifelong Learning

Success Stories of Lifelong Learners

  1. Warren Buffett: The legendary investor dedicates over five hours daily to reading.
  2. Bill Gates: Gates reads one book per week, constantly expanding his knowledge.
  3. Mark Cuban: The billionaire entrepreneur spends three hours daily learning through books.
  4. Oprah Winfrey: Oprah has built an empire fueled by her passion for books and her unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

These icons prove that learning isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about shaping one's mind, sharpening one's skills, and staying prepared for future opportunities.

Why Most People Stop Learning

Unfortunately, many people stop learning once they leave school. The mindset of “I have my degree; I’m done” is a trap that prevents personal and professional growth.

Lifelong learning isn’t just about passing tests or getting certificates. It’s about staying curious, seeking new knowledge, and constantly pushing yourself to grow. When you commit to learning, you commit to evolving into the best version of yourself.

Time: The Most Valuable Resource

Time is a finite resource — arguably more valuable than money. Consider this analogy:
Imagine receiving $86,400 every morning. The only catch? You must spend it all by the end of the day, as it won’t carry over to tomorrow. You’d likely use it wisely, making every dollar count.

Now, apply this principle to time. Each day, we’re gifted 86,400 seconds. Unlike money, however, once time is gone, it’s gone forever.

Common Time-Wasting Habits

• Excessive screen time: Scrolling endlessly through social media.
• Mindless entertainment: Watching TV shows you don’t care about.
• Procrastination: Putting off meaningful tasks for trivial activities.

The difference between successful people and the rest is how they value their time. They spend it wisely, investing in activities that align with their goals and aspirations.

Turning Failure into a Stepping Stone

Failure is an inevitable part of life. What matters is how you respond to it.
• Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
• The only true failure is giving up.

The world’s most successful individuals have all faced rejection, made mistakes, and encountered obstacles. Yet, they didn’t let these setbacks define them. They used them as fuel to keep going.

Mastering Time and Learning for Success

Here are actionable steps to make the most of your time and commit to lifelong learning:

  1. Set a Daily Learning Goal
    Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to learning. It could be reading a book, watching an educational video, or attending a workshop.
  2. Eliminate Time-Wasting Activities
    Identify activities that don’t add value to your life and minimize them.
  3. Adopt a Growth Mindset
    Embrace challenges, seek feedback, and view failures as opportunities to improve.
  4. Invest in Yourself
    Take courses, read books, or attend events that align with your personal and professional goals.

The Ultimate Key to Success

Bill Gates once said that if he could have any superpower, it would be the ability to read faster. This statement reflects the value he places on knowledge. Every skill you acquire and every piece of information you learn brings you closer to your dreams.

But success isn’t handed to anyone. It requires dedication, effort, and the willingness to persevere through challenges. Life will knock you down, but what matters is your ability to get back up and keep moving forward.

Use Your Time Wisely

Success is about becoming the best version of yourself. It’s about using your time wisely, committing to lifelong learning, and refusing to settle for anything less than your best.

You have 86,400 seconds today. Don’t waste them. Use them to grow, to learn, and to achieve your dreams.

Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert