When we emerge from our cozy
comfort zones and stretch ourselves, the magic of learning and the
thirst for knowledge and creativity shine brightly. Here are a few
tidbits to awaken the lifelong learner in all of us. In the famous words
of Mary Poppins…”anything is possible, if you let it!”
The Art of Dreaming and Scheming
In this world of instant gratification, it’s important to think
outside the box and see how best to absorb all this information at hand.
What is your best learning preference? Are you auditory, visual,
tactile, environmental, visual, experimental? Often times our past
stories are dictated by traditional learning routes from school or
university. Don’t be stuck in the story of how you once showed up as a
student - let this be FUN and just for YOU! It’s not about the
destination or the performance, but the creative journey of stretching
your brain and fueling your heart. Take time to honor how you learn
best. Capture that essence in everything you set out to foster.
Schedule It!
As with anything, nothing will occur if it’s not in your calendar!
It’s crucial to set aside time and intentionally dig in. With the busy
coordination of kids, caregiving for parents or other work/volunteer
obligations, it’s easy to let overwhelm nestle in. At the end of the day
we often feel we can’t take on new pursuits or stretch our experiences
even further. Carving out little snippets of time, often in places we
least expect, is a great way begin. I always have a book or my Kindle
app handy while I’m waiting at a doctor’s appointment or traveling for
work. Podcasts are another fun way to flex your curiosity muscle and be
inspired. Grab your dog and listen to one of your favorite podcasts or
audio books - even during your daily commute or washing the dinner
dishes. Little bursts of inspiration go a long way to recharge that
inner student.
Be In An Environment That Fosters Learning
As a life and leadership coach, I know first hand the importance of
“walking the walk to talk the talk.” Getting out of our comfort zone
often requires additional support and connecting to other like-minded
people. Grab a friend and sign up for the local meditation workshop
you’ve had your eyes on for a while. Is there a lecture you could attend
at a nearby library or university that sparks your fancy? Online
courses are also a great way to dip your toe in the water and taste a
bit of something new, often not expensive or carrying a hefty tuition.
You could also take the plunge and dedicate a long weekend to a retreat
workshop of sorts ... writing, art, yoga? Or hire a coach to finally
jumpstart and brainstorm your next career. Maybe now is the time to
research a new vacation spot where you can surround yourself in a
different culture or language. The list is endless. The main point: just
GO FOR IT!
The Wonder Of Curiosity
One of the reasons I love coaching so much is I get to really dig in
and appreciate my clients, helping them peel away limiting beliefs to
reveal what truly matters most. Through the eyes of a child we often
remember the joy in play. Ask yourself, what do you miss most when you
were younger? An old art hobby, dance class? Perhaps you kept a journal
and studied flowers in the backyard or planted a vegetable garden? Is
there a language you’d like to brush up on or even learn a new one?
Start a short list of books you’d love to read or even re-read. Maybe
start a book club (or show up at the one you let slip long ago!) Where
can you spark JOY in your lifelong pursuit of learning? There is magic
in infinite possibility and the world is your oyster - soak it in and
let the learning BEGIN!!