How To Learn Something New Every Day – These 4 Simple Ways

At a dinner party recently, the host invited each person around the table to share a bit about themselves. I love these opportunities to learn from others, so I immediately took out my phone and started making notes. I wrote down several thoughts during that dinner, and one in particular stands out in my mind.

Lisa Barnett, who was hosting the dinner with her husband Nicholas (author of the book GPS For Your Organisation) said this, “Every day is a light bulb day.” I quickly typed this statement and knew I would write about it.

This statement, ‘Every day is a light bulb day’, is absolutely true. Each day we have fresh opportunities to learn and grow and become a better person, a better teacher, a better communicator.

I am personally committed to getting from the day, every day, and here are five simple ways you can get the most out of every day.

ONE
Observe more curiously

There is much to be learned by simply looking. Be more curious about the world around you. Notice the things you see every day on the way to work. Look curiously at your students and colleagues. Notice people’s facial expressions, clothing, and body language. You will be amazed at what you learn about others and about your workplace that will help you to be a better person, and a more effective teacher.

TWO
Listen more carefully

There are always many sounds around us, and to add to that, we have dozens of conversations every day with our family members, students, parents and colleagues. I have found that when I listen more carefully, I am far more effective in appropriately responding to the person talking to me. It’s when I listen carefully that I tend to have those ‘light bulb’ moments.

THREE
Read more intentionally

This is about being intentional and decisive to read something each day that will help you be more effective. Take a few moments to actually think about what you would like to learn about and find resources to help you do that. Perhaps you want to learn more about effective classroom management, or how to win with parents, or you want to regain your passion for teaching. Whatever it is, be intentional.

FOUR
Reflect more regularly

I’ve written about regular reflection many times. I believe that THE best thing you can do to get the most out of every day and regularly experience those ‘light bulb moments’ is to keep a journal. I’m not talking about a lengthy, long winded prose kind of journal but rather a short and to-the-point journal that records your daily reflections. Make it a short daily discipline to take a minute to record something you learned today. I’ve written how to do this in just 60 seconds here.

This week’s assignment:

Which of these four things will you choose to focus on this week? Will you:

1) Observe more curiously?
2) Listen more carefully?
3) Read more intentionally?
4) Reflect more regularly?

Enjoy the journey,

And more importantly,

Enjoy the moments.

🙂

Megan

QUESTION: What do you do to get the most out of every day? Leave your comments here.