One thing I shared with my Mum was a belief in lifelong learning. At her memorial celebration on Sunday, I told her life story together with my two amazing sisters. Her passion for learning, right to the very end, is a legacy I am happy to continue.
This week, I am back to Uni (again!). Having completed my Masters in 2019, I am now doing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Kent. It’s welcome week and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. You could say a ‘dance with fear and confidence’!
Most of my learning though is non-academic, like everyone else. I learn everyday – through new experiences, new perspectives, new habits, new knowing. The need to learn and grow is a natural instinct for human beings and can be a rich source of meaning.
I realise I’m probably a bit extreme, but boosting your learning agility has been shown to make a significant difference to your current and future life. What’s not to like?!
Learning agility
Learning agility is the ability to learn new things and to apply that learning in new and different situations. It’s a better predictor of future potential than IQ, background or previous experience. You can grow your learning agility by having new experiences and taking the time to make sense of what you have learned – individually or with others
Eichenger and lombardo (2004)
Importantly, there is no age limit to learning agility. Almost all mid-lifers want to continue learning and progressing, but they can neglect their learning agility—reducing their potential. They can become so established in a type of work that they stop experiencing new and different things. They can focus on others learning at the expense of their own.
Ben believed he had been a lifelong learner but setting up his own business took his learning to a whole new level. He had worked for a large business for 32 years in lots of different positions, functions and locations. When voluntary redundancy was offered, he decided it was the right time for him and his family. Not ready to retire, he decided to start his own consulting business.
Extract from Dancing with fear and confidence by laura walker
Right from the beginning he had to do everything himself—choosing the name, registering the business, business planning, opening a bank account, developing a website, designing materials, marketing, blogging, tracking expenses, solving IT issues and so on. It was so different, so new, so alien.
Being part of a support group made a huge difference. He and six other leavers decided to meet regularly for the first 18 months. They shared stories, tips, worries, and lessons. He was definitely on the edge of his abilities but felt safe and supported by the group. He says he has never learned so much in his life, about himself as well as setting up a business.
Many people feel stuck in mid-life, so challenging yourself to try new and different experiences can be a manageable way to continue learning without making a wholesale change. Creating the smallest movement can make a real difference.
Bored in his work, Daniel realised he needed something to change—so he decided to say yes to every opportunity that presented itself over the next few weeks. And he did. Socially and professionally. He said yes to joining a local networking group, to a canoeing weekend, to a public speaking course, to becoming a mentor, to joining a quiz team—none of which he had done before.
He liked some more than others. Some were nerve-wracking. Some he wished he’d done them before. Whatever his reaction, they all taught him something useful.
Please take 5 minutes to consider these questions for yourself…
- What new experience have you said “yes” to recently?
- How stops you saying “yes” more often?
- Who could help you stretch your comfort zone?
Eichinger, R.W., Lombardo, M.M. (2004). Learning Agility as a Prime Indicator of Potential. Human Resource Planning; New York Vol. 27, Iss. 4 12-15.
Fulfilling work 