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Continuous learning is a way of life. And like exercise, those who are committed to it see numerous benefits in their health, wellness, and careers. Yet not everyone encounters continuous learning the same way, which is why we must approach the topic differently for each type of person.
The Skeptic
If you need a reason to believe the benefits of continuous learning, start with the fact that those who learn continuously succeed. Research has found that “continuous training gives 50% net higher sales per employee”. It’s also known to boost engagement and productivity. To become a continuous learner, start with curiosity.
Via OriginLearning.com
Before you can form a habit, start with the desire for change and the hunger to learn something new.
There’s a mindfulness exercise which transforms the act of eating a simple raising into an act of discovery. The idea is to pay exquisite attention to an ordinary object to illuminate it.
Another technique is to find a Ted Talk on a topic on which you are curious. Explore why the topic interests you and what the interest says about you.
The “I Wish I Had Time” Learner
Don’t we all wish we had more time to learn. The secret to continuous learning is integrate it among your priorities. Start smaller.
Enhance your current routine with great content.
Plan ahead for the learning. Create a folder where you add the resources that you want to check out and dig in when the time arises (or better yet, slot it in).
Crowdsource. Use social media to ask your busy friends what they’re learning and how.
Add reflection into your routine. Continuous learning does not always require outside stimulus. Even writing a 5 minute summary of your day before you sleep acknowledges what you’re learning.
Via GreatMindsUnited.com
The “Give Me More” Learner
These curious explorers already have a portfolio of learning. They can recommend the best podcasts, courses, shows and experiences. Many things are helpful for them.
It’s critical to find new voices and get outside of the echo-chamber of resources that reinforce the same types of learning. We recommend following people with different points of view on social media. Fresh perspectives can also be found by discovering newsletters and videos.
Actively exploring new events is key. We recommend creating a calendar of events, finding one day a month to create a calendar. Start with Eventbrite or check out our carefully curated events calendar.
Click the image to discover 40+ virtual events
For All Continuous Learners
Check out these golden resources to spark your curiosity.
NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast marries science and storytelling to explore human behavior and understand our unconscious patterns and biases.
You never know what you’re going to get from iHeart Radio’s podcast Stuff You Should Know. Topics range from the origins of flamethrowing to true crime stories to Rosa Parks to if dogs can tell time.
Explained, a VOX produced Netflix docu series, explores everything from cryptography to why diets fail to the origins of athleisure to the world of k-pop.
Zenhabits is a blog dedicated to simplicity and mindfulness among chaos. This thoughtful and actionable resource is packed with provoking thought-pieces and practical actions.
LinkedIn Learning offers a selection of courses taught by professionals in the field.
Via Medium.com
Curiosity is the heart of continuous learning. While there are many benefits around continuous learning, it’s not just benefit-driven. You can cross fertilize outside your silo and explore new ways of practicing continuous learning.
Must Connect
To learn more about continuous learning principles, practices, and mindsets check out the LinkedIn Live event we held in which our CEO Zach Braiker shared his insights and experiences.
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