As I look toward my 50th birthday, I am finding myself reflecting a lot on what I have achieved in my life, what I have learned, but also looking to the future to what I want to do in the next 50 years.
It’s natural to reflect on our past achievements and lessons learned. Introspection becomes especially sentimental as we approach significant milestone birthdays. It’s a time when we not only look back with a mix of pride and introspection but also look forward, pondering what paths still await us. The journey of professional development and personal growth is never-ending. It’s marked not just by the milestones we reach but by our resilience, our willingness to continue learning, and our ability to fail forward.
Grab a cup of coffee ☕, this one is a bit longer than usual, but hey, I am reflecting on FIFTY years.
Below are my thoughts on learning and my PRO TIPS for ensuring that it happens.
The Importance of Never Stopping Learning
The view of work and life is constantly evolving, faster today than ever before. Staying relevant, both professionally and personally, requires an ongoing commitment to learning. But it’s not just about keeping up with the world; it’s about keeping up with the potential within ourselves. Lifelong learning fuels our curiosity, enriches our lives, and broadens our perspectives. It makes us more adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
DANI’S PRO TIP: Find time, whether it is in the car, when you walk the dog, as you pick up your house, as you do yard work, or wait for a kiddo to finish soccer practice, to listen to a podcast at least one hour of something that motivates you, teaches you, or inspires you to be a better human.
Some of my favorites include: The Tough Girl Podcast, Mel Robbins, Amy Porterfield, Jasmine Star, The Mind Tools L & D Podcast, Humans Outside, and Smartless (which is my least “learning” focused, but sometimes exactly what I need for some selfcare)
Failing Forward: The Steppingstones of Success
Failure is often seen as a setback, but in the realm of personal growth and professional development, it can be one of our most powerful teachers. Failing forward means using our failures as stepping stones towards success. It’s about extracting valuable lessons from our experiences, not allowing them to define us but to refine our journey forward. Every failure brings with it the seed of growth and opportunity, provided we are willing to look for it and learn.
DANI’S PRO TIP: Change your mindset. Expect that you will NOT get it perfect the first time AND THAT IS EXPECTED AND OK!!! and then you will become less likely to get disappointed, get stuck, and not try again. Instead, your internal thoughts will be, “hey, I got pretty close, but I want to get it even better, so give me another shot.”
And check out these two cats I recently posted. They totally get this concept. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5hh8BfNddr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Now, let’s talk about how you will, as Mel Robbins says in her April 8, 2024 podcast, “Make It Happen.”
Tactical Steps for Lifelong Learning
Adopting a mindset of lifelong learning and embracing the concept of failing forward requires intentional action. Here are some tactical steps you can take to ensure that your journey of learning and development never stops:
- Set Personal and Professional Goals
Reflect on your aspirations: We are 1/3 of the way through this year. Reflect on your aspirations for this year and take time to think about what you truly want to achieve in the next phase of your life. These goals should excite you and give you a sense of purpose.
Be specific: The more specific your goals, the easier it will be to chart a course towards achieving them. Write them down…no really, do it right this moment!
- Cultivate a Curiosity Mindset
Ask questions: The simplest yet most powerful tool for learning is asking questions. Be curious about everything. The more you question, the more you learn.
Explore widely: Allow your interests to guide you into new fields, subjects, and skills. Diversity in learning fosters creativity and innovation.
- Embrace New Technologies
Stay tech-savvy: Are you playing with AI yet? Technology plays a pivotal role in learning today. Whether it’s leveraging online courses, learning a new AI tool, joining webinars, or using apps to learn a new language, technology can be a powerful ally in your learning journey.
Use social media wisely: Platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube can be excellent sources of information and networking opportunities in your field of interest.
- Build a Learning Community
Network actively: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and from whom you can learn. Networking isn’t just about professional gain; it’s about sharing knowledge and experiences.
Join or create study groups: Learning with others can enhance understanding, provide motivation, and offer support.
If you wish there was a group, and you can’t find it, create it. This is exactly why I created #IgniteLearning to build a learning community, network with other professionals to share knowledge and experiences, and provide a place where like-minded learning and development professionals could gather online for motivation and support.
- Practice Reflection and Resilience
Reflect regularly: Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. This can help you understand your learning process and adapt it as necessary.
Learn from failure: When faced with setbacks, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” This attitude will help you turn failures into opportunities for growth. This is the Growth Mindset.
- Stay Healthy
Mind and body connection: A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep all contribute to cognitive function and overall well-being.
As I stand on the cusp of the next 50 years, I want to remind us all to remember that the journey ahead is as much about the destinations you strive to reach as it is about the person you become along the way. Lifelong learning and failing forward are not just strategies for professional development; they are philosophies for a fulfilling life. Embrace them and watch how they transform not only your career but your entire approach to the adventure ahead.
Share with me how you will commit or re-commit to lifelong learning and failing forward.