Lifelong Learning

Remember your school days when you were continuously learning? Your mind as a child was like a sponge soaking up knowledge and adding to the bank in your brain. As an adult, you undoubtedly learned a lot of information and new skills when you first started your career and along that pathway. How long has it been since you learned something new, even for fun? If it’s been a while, it’s time to consider working your brain again.

First, think about something that you already to that you would like to build skill in or something brand new. Perhaps your grandmother was a wonderful knitter and you always wanted to follow in her footsteps or your friend is a great gardener who grows her own organic vegetables and you would like to do the same. When you are thinking about what you would like to learn, you just might come up with more than one! Make a list to track what you want to do so you don’t forget. Don’t try to tackle too many at one time because you will spread yourself too thin and end up burning out before you have achieved your goal.

Start researching how you can take a course to learn more about your area of interest. There are a lot of no- or low-cost options in the community for building skills. Many independent school districts, community colleges, and universities offer continuing education courses at a low price. They are a wonderful resource for building a new skill and for creating a network of folks with the same interest as you (it’s always helpful to have resources!).

Many businesses will also offer low-cost options for building a skill. For example, a beading shop will offer courses in creating custom jewelry designs or a nursery having courses in organic gardening. Of course these benefit the businesses but they also help you to build your skills in your chosen area.

You can even hire a personal coach to help you build your skills in a one-on-one setting. For example, a personal trainer is simply a coach who helps you improve your fitness level by providing one-on-one sessions. Believe it or not, there are coaches that can help you quilt, build skills in public speaking, becoming a better photographer and a variety of other skills.

Once you have decided what you want to do and who is going to help you accomplish it, set aside time in your schedule to achieve your goal. Now, it’s time for you to stretch your brain, build new skills, meet new people, and get out there!