How to Keep Learning

Children learn how to walk in phases. First they discover their toes, gripping and pointing and kicking. Then come a few unsuccessful crawls as they test out the strength of each foot, realizing that a knee is better suited for the task. Finally they stand a few times, gaining confidence that earns some video-worthy spills.

Dozens of falls later, and they’re still at it, figuring out the best way to start and how to stop themselves when the head’s momentum outpaces the legs’ ability. Eventually they succeed, surrounded by smiling and cheering adults. Now it’s time to run.

We are born with an innate desire to learn new concepts, not just the ones expected of human development, but those that bring us happiness, satiate our curiosity and even those which have no measurable benefit at all. But somewhere along the way, we stop learning more than is required of us. Maybe friends said it wasn’t cool to study; or a counselor saw some test scores and said that math isn’t really our thing; or a fancy promotion keeps us busy enough to forget the simple joys of learning. We begin to ignore those challenges that don’t fit our current skill sets. Instead, we look for ones that show off our strengths and hide our weaknesses. We become fixed in our ways. That fixed mindset allows us a free pass to give up at the first sign of struggle.

Knowing that our best growth happens in times of struggle is the basis of having a student or growth mindset.

How to keep learning:

1. Feed your curiosity.

Ask questions and spend time researching the answers. Frustrated that you hit that same red light every day on the way to work? Research how traffic flow maps are built. Remember that learning new things isn’t always about getting a raise or earning a promotion. Learning in all forms is inherently beneficial.

2. Target your weaknesses.

Commit to conquering one new thing each month. Never learned how to dance? Sign up for a swing dance club.

3. Read.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an avid reader, dive into books. A 2014 study conducted at Boise State University found that reading not only helps us learn new concepts, it’s also been shown to increase emotional intelligence and social awareness. By connecting and relating our lives to the characters on the pages, we are able to work through complex social situations and be better prepared to handle future ones.

Of course, along with these tips, you have to take care of the rest of your mind and body in order for it to be ready to take in new information and apply it in meaningful ways. Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, increase your heart rate for 20 minutes a day and try meditation to clear your brain’s junk drawer. Becoming a lifelong learner isn’t a new concept, but it’s certainly one that requires a reminder every so often.

Source: success.com