How to become a lifelong learner
My passion for constant learning and growing is one of my superpowers and definitely a huge part of my success.
For as long as I can remember I have had a love of learning. Not only do I have four 'formal' degrees in quite a wide range of areas (for those interested I have a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Master of Public Policy and a PhD in business) - but I am always taking new online courses and listening to and reading new books and podcasts. I honestly love to take in new information and apply the concepts to different parts of my life and business.
There's so much research that demonstrates the importance of lifelong learning being a key part of a successful person's toolkit.
And by lifelong learning I am talking about learning for the joy and enjoyment of growth as a person - not only learning in the form of formal education and qualifications. This sort of education has its place, but lifelong learning is about being highly motivated and driven to learn for the sake of learning so that you can keep an edge over others by understanding and learning new concepts and ideas on a regular basis.
But it is one thing to say that you want to become a lifelong learner and quite another to actually be this person. I think this is a habit that you can develop over time and one I definitely would encourage you to think about and make a conscious effort to engage with.
And with that in mind, here are three practical ideas for you that will help you develop the habit of lifelong learning.
1: Have the right mindset
Before you can start developing a habit of constant learning you need to develop the right attitude and mindset.
You need to be confident that if you want to learn how to do something that you will be able to if you put in the effort and learn what you need to know. You have to actually want to learn and grow as a person and be enthusiastic about learning and experiencing new things.
You want to develop what researcher, Professor Carol Dweck, has termed a 'growth mindset', which is the belief in yourself that anything can be developed and achieved through dedication, learning and hard work.
If you haven't heard about a 'growth mindset' then I would highly encourage you to do some reading about it and to grab the book Mindset.
2: Find time every day to learn something new
If you've been part of my community for a while you'll know I have ways of incorporating learning in to my already very busy weeks.
I have daily 'walk and learn' sessions where I listen to audio books and podcasts (while I also get some exercise), I use boring household tasks as a chance to learn (e.g. while folding washing or preparing dinner) and I also dedicate my Fridays to working on any online courses or programs that I am currently taking (and I'm always taking some kind of online course to continue my learning and growth).
All of these are habits in my life so that makes learning easy and enjoyable.
Have a think about how you can incorporate learning in to your week as well.
3: Reframe the traditional notion of ‘education’
Many people are put off learning (especially as they get older!) as they have been scarred by experiences of formal education in the school or university setting.
But these days learning doesn't have to be boring, it can take place anywhere, it doesn't need to be expensive and you have opportunities all around you to participate. Plus it can be a lot of fun as well!
Here are some practical places where you can start to learn new skills - both in a free or paid capacity:
You Tube videos
Podcasts
Audio (or real!) books
Online courses or workshops
Learning from family/friends/colleagues who may be a few steps ahead of you
learning by doing (i.e. trying things and experimenting with new ideas)
asking questions and not being afraid of 'looking silly' by doing so
finding a mentor
Don't think you have to be enrolled in a 3 year university program to be learning and growing - the world has so many opportunities for growth and development - make the most of them and - most importantly - enjoy the process!
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Improve your professionalism?
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
