Ep. 26 - Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is a competitive advantage. Whether competing in the game of entrepreneurship, or climbing the corporate ladder, lifelong learning pays dividends. Some people are born with innate curiosity about the world around them. They question everything. But lifelong learning isn't just an innate characteristic that people are gifted with. Rather, it can be developed through practice, and nourished daily.
10 lifelong learning habits to start right now
- Ask 'why'
Spend 10 minutes with a three year-old and you’ll quickly understand the power of ‘why’. Children are tremendously curious. However, somewhere through our rigid education system, and our parents, teachers, and bosses explaining that ‘it’s just the way it is’, we lose this sense of curiosity. Never stop asking why. Reject the ‘norm’. Adopt a contrarian mindset.
2. Fail
If you never fail, then you’re likely not taking big enough swings at the plate. Failing strategically (not recklessly) is a demonstration of thoughtful risk taking. Embracing these failures will make you stronger on the other side. Failures suck in the short-term, but are invaluable in the long-term.
3. Get a Mentor
I don’t think there are many ‘hacks’ to life - I think hard work, determination, and getting up after you’re knocked down are the true ‘life hacks’. However, if I were to pick one hack, it would be getting a mentor. Mentors have been in your position. They will understand the pain and setbacks. Learn from them.
4. Rest
Being in constant motion is the norm for entrepreneurs. Likely, you’re high-energy and want things done yesterday. But like everything in life, this will catch up to you. As I wrote about a few weeks ago - live and work like a lion.
5. Take more at-bats
The more at-bats you get, the more successful you’ll be. Get off the bench, and step-up to the plate. Learning does not happen on the sidelines - learning happens on the field. Learning occurs when you’re in the game. Play the game as many times as you can, learn from past at-bats, and swing for the fence.
6. Be selective with your content
This has never been more important than it is today. We’re bombarded with information. Ensure this doesn’t turn into a bottleneck. Ensure you’re not confusing noise and signal. Choose your content wisely.
7. Develop ‘Range’
As David Epstein explained in his great book - “Range” - building a foundation as a generalist is a crucial platform to leap from. Life is a long and winding journey. Embrace it, develop range, and follow your curiosity.
8. Do things
Take action and don’t spend hours, days, or months thinking about it. The longer you think about starting that business, the more reasons you’ll find to not start. Do → Learn → Do.
9. Play long-term games
The 8th wonder of the world is compound interest. This is true for relationships, money, and career progression. Compound interest is developed through adopting a low-time preference. Play long-term games with long-term people.
10. Inspiration is fleeting - jump on it
If you’re inspired about an idea or a project, don’t let it go to waste. Inspiration only comes around so often. Jump on this opportunity. Quit your job and start that business. Life is short and fragile, don’t spend it doing something you’re not inspired about. You'll learn more following inspiration as opposed to living an uninspired life.
Our formal and artificial education usually ends at 18 or 22 years-old. True learning comes after this. The best kind of learning is the kind that occurs when you follow your passions and curiosity. Double down on what ignites you, and what you're good at. Be a lifelong learner.