As a student in school or collages, it is easy to learn new stuff— actually we are bombarded with new ideas, concepts, etc. But as grow older and step into our adulthood, life takes over and we all get into a routine. As adults we do almost the same tasks day in and day out, however productive they may seem, these routine activities don’t exercise our brain enough. At this stage, it’s easy to move into survival mode and our brain ends up working at a fraction of its true potential without much exercise.
To keep our brain in check, we ought to wear our learning hat!
If you want to be a lifelong learner, and I want to raise kids who feel the same. This means that you need to thrive to be a well-informed person, you need to seek out learning resources for yourself, even while parenting or running a business.
Here are a few things that have helped me wear my learning hat all the time:
- Say “I don’t know”
When someone asks you something and you truly don’t know the answer, admit it—and then try to seek the answer. Search the internet, talk to a friend who you think will have the answer, head to your library or a museum, or email someone who might know. You may even subscribe to an online course if the subject is of interest to you. This process of self-discovery will make learning fun & memorable.
- Read “Quality”
Get in the habit of always reading. There’s no possible way to read everything available, but don’t wait until you have more time to spare —something else will always come up. Start with a goal of just a few pages per day.
While you are at it try and read “quality”, with so many options out there, there’s no reason to waste your brain with twaddles like gossip mags, poorly-written novels, or cheesy self-help books. Make sure you pursue your interests, but stretch your brain and try new things. Historical biographies, non-fiction that challenges your thinking, and the classics are great places to start.
Similarly, when you spend time on screen, consume quality content. Don’t waste your precious brain and time watching fluff. Pick out a few shows you enjoy, and only turn on the screen for those.
- Keep “Good Company”
The company we keep plays a crucial part in shaping our attitude towards life. Life’s too short to spend time gossiping or talking about things that just don’t matter. Find friends that support your desire to exercise your brain, because they want the same thing, too.
- Be open to “New Perspectives”
While it’s important to surround ourselves with good company, it’s also very important to leave our comfort zone and make friends with people we least expect. It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you surround yourself only with people from the same background, geography, or life stage. When you interact with different “kinds” of people, you’ll be surprised at how much you might learn.
- Make a “List”
It can be hard to remember those things you want to learn about, read, or try. As you think of ideas, write them down. Keep an ongoing list of books you want to read, podcasts you want to listen to, or hobbies you want to try. Then refer to your list often. Keep it somewhere prominent, like in your personal journal, on the fridge, or a “to-do list” on your phone.
We are never “too old” to learn something new or pursue a new hobby/interest.
We as humans are cohabitants with millions of other living & nonliving beings on planet earth. Try to find the answer to one new thing a day. Never stop learning and exercise your brain regularly. Set a good example to the people around you – your kids, colleagues, friends, etc. Until next stay safe & keep learning!