Lifelong Learning

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Ascend’s Leadership Program!Ascend’s Leadership Program for women will empower you with the skills and frameworks required to influence at all levels, conquer imposter syndrome, and accelerate your career.You’ll leave the program confident and armed with the skills, tools, and support to have your ideas taken seriously, empower your team, and move up faster in your career. It’s the only program I’ve seen that teaches these practical skills in a safe space with an incredible community for aspiring and new women leaders - I am proud to support!Ascend’s Leadership Program’s upcoming cohort will run from June 28 to August 5 and spots are filling up quickly. Apply today to secure your place in this amazing program!Lifelong Learning HabitsLifelong learning is a competitive advantage. But contrary to what you’ve been told, lifelong learners are built, not born.20 lifelong learning habits you can start developing today:Stimulate DynamicallyThe mind is a muscle - it needs to be stimulated dynamically to continue to grow. Don’t rely on one “exercise” - develop a menu of options. Write, read, listen, watch. Solve puzzles, play games. Enjoy it! Stimulate dynamically, learn dynamically.Build Learning CirclesThe most powerful learning is communal, not individual. Build learning circles with other intellectually curious minds. Engage regularly with no set intention or goal. Community is everything. Embrace it.Keep Asking Why“Why?” is the most useful tool in our learning toolkit. But somewhere along the line, we are told to stop asking why and just accept “facts” as we are told them. Reject the norm. If you want to understand the world, take a cue from our kids - keep asking why! Adopt a Process OrientationPrioritize process. Learn for the sake of learning, not always for a specific goal. When you prioritize process, you become flexible in where you are headed. Life is a winding, confusing journey - forward progress is all that matters.Become a PolymathA polymath is a person with wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary knowledge. Lifelong learners tend to be polymaths - their curiosity naturally leads to knowledge accumulation in a variety of disciplines. Learn both horizontally and vertically. Become a polymath.Build a Learning EngineThe “learning engine” is at the core of every lifelong learner. It is comprised of all the learning “inputs” regularly consumed - books, newsletters, podcasts, videos, etc. The internet has opened access to it all. Build an unstoppable learning engine.Avoid Noise BottlenecksConsuming more does not equate to knowing more. As you consume more data, you may find the noise-to-signal ratio increases (a classic Taleb “noise bottleneck” appears). Consume less, but consume intelligently. More signal, less noise. Embrace All Types of LearningThere are two types of learning: surface and deep. Surface learning is quick and easy. Deep learning is more challenging. It requires a willingness to slow down and let ideas mature in the mind. Lifelong learners embrace both.Seek Mentors & Coaches“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” You can’t do it alone. Seek out mentors and coaches to help you on your journey. Never be afraid to ask. You’ll be amazed by the kindness of strangers and their willingness to help.Embrace FailuresLifelong learners recognize that failures are learning opportunities. They don’t fear them. They embrace them. It’s easier said than done. Failures are painful - physically and emotionally. But stay the course and you’ll find learning on the other side.Follow Your CuriosityWhen you have a spark of curiosity, follow it. Moments of pure, unadulterated curiosity are fleeting, so you have to prioritize them when they come. Seek out curiosity-inducing content (like my Curiosity Chronicle newsletter!).Become a TeacherTeaching is often the most powerful path to learning. The Feynman Technique (explained below) is a foundational mental model for unlocking learning and growth through teaching. Use it! If you want to learn, teach.Take BreaksHumans were not made for constant motion. Learn to sprint, then rest. Taking breaks can be the easiest, most effective unlock for learning and growth. If you want to learn to grow, first learn to rest.Learn from StrangersEvery conversation with a stranger is an opportunity to learn something new. Be present in every conversation with everyone you meet. You never know what might come of it.Seek a Stimulating JobTry to find a job that is intellectually stimulating. I know this is a luxury - if you are lucky enough, take advantage. P.S. I want to help. Check out my job board for interesting roles at companies that believe in open access.Change Your MindLifelong learners are always willing to change their mind. Believe something to be true? Ok, but be sure to open your mind to counterarguments. Stubborn refusal to acknowledge alternative perspectives stalls progress. Strive for strong opinions, wea...