When we were kids, we were in a constant state of learning. Between formal education, extra curriculars, and learning about the world around us, every year saw us develop by leaps and bounds.
Once we became adults, though, things seemed to change. Yes, many of us learn a ton in our jobs (especially role changes!), but it’s not always as regimented. In some cases, we may find ourselves feeling stuck in the same routines and working on the same tasks at work, not really progressing in our understanding. And when we are learning, it may not always be in the areas we’re most interested in stretching ourselves.
But many of us long to be lifelong students. We’re hungry for information, to better ourselves, or to just learn something new. So in today’s post, we’ll dive into how to keep learning, even as an adult. Here are 5 simple ways to keep that education going.
#1. Read a non-fiction book.
Reading is one of the best ways to keep learning. We can choose the topic, read at our own pace, and it’s one of the most affordable forms of education! Stuck on what to read? Here are some ideas:
- Personal development books
- Historical books
- Biographies and autobiographies
- Books about economics (think: Malcolm Gladwell style!)
- Scientific books (for example, books about food and diet, or on global warming)
- Books about politics
If you’re an avid reader, check out my post Where to Buy Cheap Books: 4 Surprising Places. It offers some great tips for scoring books cheaply. You can also borrow them from the library!
Not much of a reader but like the thought of consuming information on demand? Watch a documentary or docu-series! There are tons of great ones on Netflix. You could also watch short, informational videos on YouTube. I love the Epicurious channel on YouTube for food science videos.
You can also listen to audiobooks through a service like Audible, which is great for multitasking.
#2. Take a course.
If you’re looking to learn how to do something or just learn about a topic in more of a hands-on way, consider taking a course. This is a way to learn directly from an expert, meet like-minded students, and get intensive education on a subject.
A few years ago, I took a makeup application course at a local college. It was for people who wanted to learn about makeup products and how to perfect their application skills on themselves, so it was the perfect group for me. I loved the course and learned a ton.
Other options are cooking classes, photography courses, creative writing classes, and yoga teacher training to name a few.
You can also take an online class or course. Between Skillshare, Udemy, and private courses, there are so many to choose from.
#3. Pick up a new hobby.
Similar to taking a course, you could pick up a new hobby to dive into an area you’re interested in.
If you’re looking to start running, you can learn all about it by joining a running group or reading online message boards. You’ll learn about how to start running, the best gear, and how to train safely.
Or if you’re wanting to start scrapbooking, you can join Facebook groups and follow Instagram accounts on the topic and start picking up techniques and getting familiar with the process.
In either case, a new hobby will be a great opportunity for growth and learning. Plus, you’ll be doing something you enjoy!
#4. Stay informed.
When it comes to learning, one of the best ways to do so is to keep up with the news and current events. It helps us learn about the world around us, our political systems, and how we got here.
My post How to Get Informed Without Losing Your Mind is a great resource for finding ways to stay up to date. In it, I share some of my favourite resources and tools for staying current without getting bogged down by the negativity and drama that can often come with it.
#5. Go to a conference, speaker, or event.
If you’re looking to learn in a group environment or while meeting other people with similar interests, consider an event. Whether it be a conference, convention, speaker event, or similar function, these are great opportunities to dive deep into a topic, live.
It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people, which is yet another opportunity for learning. You’ll naturally learn from asking insightful questions and networking. Added bonus!
When it comes to lifelong learning, which of these ideas resonates most with you? How do you like to keep learning? Sound off in the Comments and let me know!
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