Opinion | Norton: A summer of learning
Summer is here, and with it comes a wonderful opportunity to sharpen our minds, strengthen our skills and invest in ourselves. It is a season that gives us the chance to grow physically, mentally, spiritually and professionally while improving our overall performance and quality of life.
Of course, summer can also be a time to rest and recharge. Sometimes that is exactly what we need most. But it can also be the perfect time to take stock of where we are and identify where we want to grow.
Maybe it is learning a new skill. Perhaps it is becoming more proficient in a skill you already possess. It could be exploring a new hobby, trying your hand at a craft you’ve always been curious about, or simply getting back into reading and other activities that stimulate and challenge your mind.
What I am really talking about is continuous learning.
No matter where we are in life, there should always be a desire to keep learning. Just look around us. The pace of change, driven by technology and artificial intelligence, is moving faster than at any other time in human history.
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We could choose to stay exactly where we are and tell ourselves we’ll catch up later. But think about how much we might miss if we simply stand still while the world keeps moving forward.
Even setting aside technology and AI, investing in our minds, bodies and spirits creates an environment where growth can flourish. And when growth flourishes, opportunities often follow.
I have always been inspired by stories of people willing to try something new. I’ve met individuals on ski slopes who proudly shared that they decided to learn to ski at age 75. I see young children taking golf lessons before they can carry their own clubs. I’ve also met countless professionals who, midway through their careers, intentionally learned new skills that opened doors to advancement and new opportunities.
Think about the people learning a second or third language. Others are learning to play an instrument. Some take up dancing. Many discover a passion for cooking. The possibilities for growth are nearly endless.
Many of us feel like we are constantly on the go and simply do not have time for continuous learning. Perhaps the better perspective is to stop thinking of ourselves as always “on the go” and start thinking of ourselves as always “on the grow.”
I recently spoke with a customer who asked how many hours they should devote to continuous learning. I suggested a different question: How many hours do you get to devote to continuous learning?
Learning is one of life’s greatest privileges. Not everyone throughout history has had access to the wealth of information we enjoy today.
In many professions, continuing education is required to maintain certifications. Some fields require 40, 60 or even 80 hours of continuing education each year. When you break that down, it often amounts to less than an hour or two each week, a small investment that can produce significant returns.
The good news is that learning has never been more accessible. Books, podcasts, webinars, online courses and countless other resources are available at our fingertips. The challenge is no longer finding opportunities to learn. The challenge is choosing where to begin.
My encouragement to you is simple: Find the topics that genuinely interest you, personally and professionally, and commit to growing in those areas.
So, how about you? Are you already on the continuous learning bus, or is this summer the perfect time to climb aboard? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. After all, when we focus on being always on the grow, rather than always on the go, we move one step closer to living a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
