How to Be a Lifelong Learner

Simple ways to discover new ideas and stretch your mind long after you've left school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Make a commitment to read one book a week. Brian Tracy recommends spending the first 30-60 minutes of the day reading something uplifting and inspirational to set the tone for your thinking for the rest of the day. Keep a notebook nearby and jot down any key findings or new insights that you want to remember and refer to later.
2. Visualize ways to put you've learned into action. Too often, people use reading to avoid taking action in their lives. It's really no use to you or anyone else if you fail to take steps to implement what you've learned.
   
   Reading a book on parenting or time management doesn't automatically make you a better parent or a more efficient executive unless you begin to apply some of the techniques in the book. Take baby steps by implementing up to five new ideas or techniques into your routine each week. After a week, reflect on the impact that the techniques or ideas have had on your life.
3. Keep a list of things you would like to learn. Be bold with your list and see if you can come up with 20 things that really excite you. Whatever you've dreamed of whether it is learning to speak French and traveling to Paris or illustrating your own line of greeting cards, write it down. You may uncover some lost passions or realize that many of the items on your list you loved a child. Once you have your list, you can begin to research learning options and look around in your community for opportunities to take classes, join groups and learn from others.
4. Create your support team. When you try things for the first time, you are often vulnerable. How often have family members or friends discouraged you by telling how difficult or pointless learning something new might be?
   Find a friend or a group of people that are also trying new things and learning new skills. Look for ways to support, challenge and encourage each other.
5. Teach others. You create your legacy by sharing what you have learned with those around you. It could be a simple gesture such as helping a child learn a new skill or sharing information with a friend or something more complex such as writing a newsletter or teaching class.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a book club. If there aren't any clubs in your area, try a virtual one.
• Be open to experiencing all different forms of learning from audio programs to movies and demonstrations.