Learn Something New Every Day (It's Easier Than You Think)

 

Introduction 

Do you like learning new things?  Do you often find yourself on the Wikipedia page or listening to podcasts?  Have you watched a TED Talks video or two on YouTube?  Or, do you just want to stay sharp (with the least amount of effort)? 

 

Whether you're a lifelong learner or someone worried about your cognitive decline, there are simple ways you can learn every day. 

 

Benefits of Learning 

I admit, I'm biased.  I love learning new things.  Perhaps you feel the same way?  But if not, below are some benefits of learning you might not be aware of: 

• It makes life more worthwhile and rarely boring. 
• It makes you a better conversationalist. 
• It eases cognitive decline. 
• It enriches your life. 
• It boosts your confidence. 
• It makes you more open-minded. 
• It makes you more adaptable. 
• It feeds innovation and creativity. 
• It increases your empathy and deepens relationships. 
• It increases your happiness levels. 
• It helps you advance your career. 

Some Ways to Learn 

Okay, you're convinced.  Learning is great.  But who has time?  Are there some ways you can learn that don't involve an organized classroom?  Yes.  Here's a few ideas: 

• Be more present. 
• Expand your circle of friends (e.g. join club, volunteer). 
• Break out of your tired routine. 
• Practice speed reading so you can take in more information. 
• Treat mistakes as useful information, not failures (e.g. do it differently next time). 
• Get curious and ask questions like a kid (Why?). 
• Get physical (it increases oxygen to the brain and improves focus). 
• Make it part of your routine (e.g. listen to podcasts in car, do an online course). 
• Don't disregard the small stuff (you're surrounded by opportunities to learn). 
• Surround yourself with fellow learners. 

Steps to Learning 

What do I need to do? 

1. Figure out what you want to learn (e.g. hobby, skill, knowledge about a subject). 
2. Set goals (what steps will you need to take). 
3. Set aside time to learn (use some of your social media time). 
4. Use multiple mediums (e.g. in person cooking class and YouTube video). 
5. Use online learning sites (some are free like Big Think and some cost money). 
6. Pair up with someone (you can learn from and support each other). 
7. Reflect along the way (e.g. keep a journal to track your process). 

We absorb new information every day without even realizing it.  Not just committing fact to memory, but actually learning (the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught). 

 

Some people learn better on their own, at their own pace.  Others might prefer something more structured, surrounded by fellow classmates.  Some might prefer a book while others might prefer learning from people. There's no right or wrong method.  It's whatever works best for you. 

 

Challenge Yourself 

But you also need to constantly challenge yourself if you want to acquire new skills or knowledge.  This isn't to say you can't enjoy what you're learning.  Just push yourself to the next level, instead of doing the same thing over and over.  It's like with exercise.  If you don't continually challenge yourself you won't improve. 

 

For example, I love playing my morning puzzles (Wordle, Connections, Nerdle).  Later I also play Sudoku, Free Cell and Spider Solitaire.  Am I learning anything new?  Probably not.  I keep meaning to try new games, but I like these games.  Still, I'm going to try a new game.  As soon as I play one more game of solitaire. 

 

I sometimes join a neighborhood board game night that meets twice a month. They play various board games and cards.  Some games I enjoy more than others, but almost all are new to me.  (Or I haven't played it in 50 years so it's like new.)  It's fun, and I'm learning lots of new games.  (Even if they're mostly for kids.) 

 

Personal Experience 

I'm also addicted to YouTube videos. Sometimes I'll watch something educational like history documentaries or advice from financial planners.  Sometimes it's more mindless dog and cat videos.  Depends on my mood.  But it boggles my mind how many interesting and informative videos are out there.   

 

Just be aware that anybody can have a YouTube Channel or be an influencer on social media.  It doesn't mean they’re an expert. 

 

We can also reinforce what we've learned through something called retrieval practice.  For example, thinking about a book you read or movie you saw.  Telling a friend about something you heard on a podcast.  Writing something down or telling someone about it will help you remember it.   

 

That's one of the best things about learning.  Showing off what you learned to others. 

 

What are you learning these days? 

 

Sources 

How to Learn Something New Every Day to Stay Sharp (and Interesting)  

Learn something new every day to enjoy never-ending growth 

How to learn something new every day