UXL Blog

At certain points in our lives, we are learning almost nonstop. In school, we’re introduced to new subjects and topics while adapting to new environments and teachers. When we start a new job, we’re learning about the expectations, the workplace culture, and the ins and outs of the job itself. But if we’re not in a situation where we’re “forced” to learn, do we make an effort to expand our knowledge? If not, how can we make this a priority? And why is it important to keep learning anyway?

Continuous learning is vital for many reasons. It can help sharpen or expand your skillset, introduce you to new perspectives, help you master new technology, or even increase your leadership skills. Lifelong learning is also great for your brain health. Scientific studies have demonstrated that “when we learn new skills, the density of our myelin, or the brain’s white matter is increased. This in turn helps improve performance. Our neurons are also stimulated, forming more neural pathways which allow us to learn better.”

So how do you keep on learning? Try any or all of the following tips:

Maintain Your Curiosity

My grandson Leo is always asking, “Why?” Why this, why that. Why do I have to go? This childhood sense of curiosity is not only adorable, it’s helpful for expanding his world. If he doesn’t understand something, he asks about it. As adults, we do not always admit when we’re confused or need clarification. We don’t always acknowledge our shortcomings. I encourage you to get curious! Ask questions, find your sense of wonder, recognize that there are many things you don’t know about or understand (which is fine! You can endeavor to learn about these things…).

Learn Every Day

How might your world change if you attempted to learn something new every day? What if you woke up and, instead of scrolling through social media or checking your email, you read an article by Wired or Harvard Business Review? What if you read a few pages of a book? What if you spent just 10 minutes taking a go-at-your-own pace online class?

Alternatively, what if you dared to ask questions at your next meeting? Or asked for help or additional guidance/insights from one of your colleagues? Your curiosity and willingness to learn can open doors and expand your perspectives.

Cultivate Your Newsfeed

There is an educational side of the internet, but you have to look for it! There’s nothing wrong with occasionally checking Instagram or watching a cute cat video, but if this is all you’re doing you’re missing an opportunity to learn and grow. Try replacing some of your social media time (or mindless scrolling time) with something educational. The more you seek out and click on enriching, informative articles, the more these items will populate your newsfeed (through Google, Apple, or through a social media site). That’s how their algorithms work. But you have to make the first move! Seek out educational material, and eventually you’ll see similar articles suggested to you.

Create/Join a Book Club

There are many incredible books out there that can introduce you to new ways of thinking, expand your skills, or simply offer you a fresh perspective. No matter your interests, there’s a book out there for you. It can be easy, however, to let reading take the backburner. To keep up on your to-read list, consider starting a book club with like-minded folks. Discussing the books you read with others will help you appreciate them in a deeper way.

Change the Channel

I certainly understand the need to tune out at the end of the day with any old TV show. But what if you made an effort to watch something educational or informative once or twice each week? Several fascinating documentaries exist about a variety of topics. You don’t have to watch a five-hour Ken Burns documentary (unless you want to!); instead, you might opt for something like “Explained,” a mini-documentary series on Netflix, or switch over to YouTube to learn about a new topic.

Take a Class

It’s easier than ever to take a class on a new subject. You might opt for an in-person class (through community education programs, local arts or sciences organizations, a nearby university, etc.) or an online class (several platforms exist, including Teachable, which hosts my online leadership class). Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose what’s right for you.

Happy learning!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: cultivate continuous learning at work, keep learning workplace, learning at work, lifelong learning work, margaret smith career coach, margaret smith leadership