Learning to Learn
In a society that’s constantly evolving, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the ability to learn, or teach ourselves new skills.
Contrary to how some people like to act, learning doesn’t stop when we leave school. In fact, the most impactful lessons often come from the self-driven pursuit of knowledge, growth and development. When you embrace the power of learning, you unlock a world of possibilities, proving to yourself and others that with curiosity and a little scrappiness, you can teach yourself anything.
Self-Education Matters
Like… it REALLY matters. Education, period, matters - now more than ever.
And unfortunately, while formal education is valuable, it has its limits.
While some swear by going to college, other people can’t afford something like college, and some folks (particularly the younger generations) are beginning to shun the idea of higher education altogether - which is terrifying, in my humble opinion - but nonetheless, higher education only gets you so far, and it typically takes you in a very specific direction.
Traditional systems often follow a set curriculum, which may not align with your unique passions or life goals. Self-education, on the other hand, is tailored entirely to your interests and aspirations. It empowers you to:
Adapt to Change: As industries and technologies shift, learning on your own ensures you can keep up.
Discover Passion: When you choose what to learn, the process becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Gain Confidence: Mastering something independently builds self-assurance and a sense of accomplishment, as well as trust in yourself.
Improve Problem-Solving Skills: Teaching yourself often involves overcoming obstacles, honing critical thinking.
But how do you actually teach yourself? While the specifics depend on your goals, there are a few foundational basics to guide you:
Start with Curiosity: Genuine interest is the spark that ignites learning. Ask yourself, what excites or challenges you? Get curious about the problems you have in your life, and how you can potentially solve them. In this case, yes, go down the rabbit hole!
Set Clear Goals: Break down what you want to learn into smaller, manageable pieces. Be specific! Sometimes it’s easier to grab an online course that does this for you, and there is nothing wrong with that! Choosing to take a course, is still teaching yourself, as you are seeking new learning. That said…
Find Resources: Whether it’s books, online courses, tutorials, or mentors, gather tools that suit your learning style. YouTube seems to be everyone’s favorite these days, but other platforms like Udemy and Coursera, or online mastermind communities are a great option.
Practice Consistently: Knowledge grows through application. Schedule regular time to learn, read, and apply your knowledge to solidify what you’ve learned, and further learn through application and…
Embrace Failure: Mistakes are essential for growth. Approach them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks! You can also look at failures as detours in the right direction. Getting it wrong is OK.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress, reflect. Are your methods working? Adjust as needed. I would not have built this community, started this blog, and everything that’s going with it if I weren’t willing to just throw ideas at the wall and see if they stick. It takes time! Especially if you’re on a journey to starting a business, or a group, or on a healing journey… you have to try a lot of stuff! And not everything is going to land.
Learning Leaves a Ripple
The beauty of self-education is its ripple effect. When you take control of your learning:
You Inspire Others: Your determination can motivate friends, family, and colleagues to pursue their own goals.
Your World Expands: Knowledge opens doors to new hobbies, careers, and connections.
You Cultivate Resilience: Learning toughens your resolve, proving you can tackle any challenge.
Just consider for a moment some of the most successful folks out there, like Elon Musk, who, before founding Tesla and SpaceX, taught himself rocket science through books and interviews.
Or the classical Maya Angelou who was renowned as a poet and writer. She learned multiple languages and acquired diverse skills throughout her life.
So… What will you teach yourself? The possibilities are limitless.
Begin Today
If you’re ready to embrace the power of learning, start small. Choose one topic or skill, gather a few key resources, and commit to learning for just 15 minutes a day. Over time, those minutes compound into expertise.
The journey to self-mastery isn’t just about acquiring knowledge. It’s a testament to your resilience, adaptability, and passion for growth.
In teaching yourself, you’re not only learning, you’re proving that the only limits to what you can achieve are the ones you set.
So why wait?
Start learning and witness the transformation for yourself.
Be well,
L
