Did you know that September is the Festival of Learning’s ‘Have A Go’ month? In celebration of lifelong learning and self development, it’s encouraging people to try new things.
I have long been an advocate for lifelong learning and I believe that our education shouldn’t stop when we leave school.
And whether you consider learning to be education in the formal sense, such as gaining qualifications etc., or whether you are interested in learning more about yourself and how you can get the best out of life, education and evolving is key.
Just as the world around us evolves, so do we. So should we. We’re not the same people we were when we were younger. Situations and experiences shape us. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
We are constantly evolving.
The positive side of that is that we have the opportunity to choose what we become. Our resources may be limited at times and we may need support to do it, but ultimately, we have the power to change our experience.
And without learning, we stagnate. Physically and mentally. We lose motivation and desire quickly if we’re not stimulated and engaged with the world or the people around us. And it can be difficult to get it back.
Trying new things brings novelty, and our brains love novelty.
Research has shown that we are much more likely to stick at a new habit or skill if it involves something new.
During lockdown, many people have struggled with motivation, and after months of being stuck at home without routine or structure, it can be hard to get yourself back out there again. So trying something new could be one way to take small steps.
Whether it’s a new activity we’ve never tried before, or perhaps doing something familiar in a different way, we can build our interest back up.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to have a go at? Perhaps a new skill or ambition, or just greater awareness of self? Something to improve your health or wellbeing, or open doors to new opportunities?
Sign up for a class, join a group, try a taster event…you never know where it might lead!
Photo by The Ride Academy on Unsplash