School’s back in session, and just because you’ve already graduated, it doesn’t mean you have to stop learning and evolving.
The greatest of the greats – like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates – never take off their learning caps; no matter how many years have passed since school. By self-teaching, they’re able to brush up on their skills and find new passions to supercharge their success in the most unexpected ways.
You can also become a constant learner, starting today. Here are 5 ways to become a student in the University of Life (and have fun while doing it):
Read
President Obama, Bill Gates, Oprah, George R.R. Martin, and Warren Buffet have each famously spoken out about how reading got them to where they are today and how it continues to shape and inform their decision making on a daily basis.
By reading just a few minutes a day, you’ll be sculpting your brain to be more creative and sharp, while also picking up valuable information along the way.
Experiment
If you’re in a rut, shaking things up and experimenting is a surefire way to become a constant learner. For instance, world-class chefs swear by trialing as a way to learn new cooking skills and discover tasty dishes. Even when their experiments taste awful, it’s still a valuable learning experience, because they find out what doesn’t work.
If you’re more inclined to order on Seamless every single night, you can find other creative ways to experiment in and outside of work, like trying a new morning routine. By dipping your toes in unfamiliar territory, you’ll be constantly learning and discovering new success.
Put on your kid shoes
Often, our unconscious bias prevents us from learning more. When systems are already in place, we assume they’re the best and brightest way to accomplish something. In a guideline-ridden workplace, this can make it seem like there’s nothing under the sun that can be improved upon.
So next time you walk into work, act like a toddler (minus the screaming tantrums). Act like you’re completely new to the world of work, and question everything. You’ll find that questioning everything is a great way to become a constant learner, even during a run-of-the-mill day.
Learn from your failures
Motivational Speaker Dennis Waitley once wisely said, “Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker.”
When you’re a constant learner, there are going to be some road bumps along the way. Instead of shying away from failure, treat it as a valuable way to improve next time. If you’ve had some past slip-ups, examine them from your future lens to learn what you’ll do differently.
Get a mentor
Although you’re not assigned a teacher anymore, your world is filled with people who would be happy to offer guidance and help you become a constant learner. By seeking out a mentor, you’ll find a professional who’s walked in your heels and can act as a professional Sherpa.
If you’re unsure how to get a mentor, check out our guide (it’s a lot easier than it seems).
Being a constant learner doesn’t stop here
For more ways to learn, reach out to the LTH Tribe today!
