Are You in Learning Mode? How to find freedom and joy in a learning mindset at any age.

Even as an ex-school teacher I had largely overlooked the role of adult learning in my own life - important stepping stones bridging pathways to the next levels of life. Especially in my career in digital advertising where technology advancements happened overnight, the learning curve was constant. We are always learning in one way or the other, but there is a special type of learning approach that underpins success in major adult life stages.

My dad really woke me up to the depth of adult learning when he became the oldest person in the UK to do a degree and then a masters. He graduated from a degree at his 80th birthday with a distinction, and after taking a year out to have cancer treatment. Given he did not know how to use Powerpoint, he traded his writing skills with the youngsters on the course who put decks together for him in return. Unafraid of the competition or sharing his work with them. The same dad who effortlessly dictated a GCSE essay to me many years ago whilst painting the living room ceiling, fearing my result would be terrible without intervention!

His story largely goes against most of the adult learning principles I come across, they say it’s harder as one ages because the brain becomes less plastic and this results in a struggle for adult learners to take on new concepts, forge new pathways and more. That these learners have a harder time understanding new things as the prefrontal cortex of the brain is fully developed by the age of 25 and then starts to become more rigid and harder to develop more skills.

So how would I add to this given what I know about an 80-something going on to do a masters degree? Well he had drive and ambition fuelling his goals because of a set of meaningful personal reasons: He’d been recruited into the RAF in the 1950’s from his grammar school in Northern Ireland to be stationed in the South Pacific, where fighter jets and Hawaiian shirts took precedence over a degree course he wished he’d gone for; he didn’t want his mind to calcify in his late 70’s and was activity fighting the ageing process by signing up for the course; he wanted to remain active and have freedom, not confined to the house; to be social by attending university and building new community and friendships; he has a healthy competitive mindset and is self-committed; he has confidence in his skills and choose a degree from a personal interest point. Then towards the end of the degree course he simply wanted to graduate incase he was beaten to it by cancer.

Ultimately he had established meaning, and meaning is the key ingredient in a healthy success mindset from which one can then thrive. When you align actions with goals in the flow of meaning and purpose anything is possible. In relation to meaning I always reference the book by renowned psychologist Victor Frankl; Man's Search for Meaning. Frankl chronicles his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, describing his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positive about, and then immersively imagining that outcome. It was from within the trauma of the concentration camps that he learned his way to survival, going on to leave a legacy that continues to teach the world about meaning and purpose.

It’s easy to forget about learning after the school years and the start of our careers, especially at very challenging points in our lives - it’s normal to feel a bit lost at times, not being able to see the forest for the trees in our hectic lives. Of course learning is always happening regardless, in fact every day is a learning experience of some sort given the volume of information we have access to. However I have noticed that most people who come to my meditation sessions have overlooked the concept of learning their way to the next level of their life, be that at work, at home or in relation to their health or other meaningful personal goals. It’s easy to overlook the art of linking meaning and learning, and how much meaning can fuel our learning pathway to important needs and desires.

Within a learning mindset we can find freedom and joy. In fact, embracing education and learning as an adult becomes even more pivotal for holistic progress in life. The benefits extend far beyond professional growth, weaving into one's role as a partner, parent, or as a self-care advocate.

In essence, adult learning fuels progress on a multi-dimensional level. It cultivates a more enriched life. Embrace the quest for knowledge, for it's a compass guiding you towards a brighter, more fulfilled existence. It doesn’t have to be a degree course, it can be as simple as reconnecting with a neglected hobby or a childhood creative passion or a sport, and building on it. Or learning about yourself at a deep level through inner work to bring forgotten or buried skills and talents into the world.

By investing in yourself and practising self-prioritisation, your efforts grow into building self-love. This is important because it motivates our positive behaviour whilst reducing harmful behaviour. Empowering us to say no to that those things that no longer serve us. It lowers stress and forms the bedrock of healthy success.

Lets look at some of the other personal development areas we holistically build on in a learning phase that we might otherwise easily overlook;

Broadened Horizons:

Learning expands your perspective and empowers you to approach life with a nimble mind. As you gain knowledge, your ability to engage in meaningful conversations and connect with others deepens, enhancing your role as eg partner, parent, colleague, friend.

Adaptation and Resilience:

The modern world is in constant flux. Learning equips you with adaptable skills to navigate the evolving landscape. This resilience resonates in your relationships as you model perseverance, open-mindedness and change-receptiveness to others.

Emotional Intelligence:

Learning fosters emotional intelligence, which enables better communication and empathy. This foundation is invaluable in maintaining healthy relationships and nurturing eg your family's emotional well-being. Empathy is one of the main skills needed to thrive in the new era we’re currently in - the Conceptual Age - which has followed on from the Information Age and brings with it a whole new set of key skills.

Self-Care and Well-being:

Personal growth through learning is a profound act of self-care. Engaging in pursuits beyond the routine invigorates your mind, reduces stress, and boosts self-confidence, all of which positively influence your overall well-being.

Role Modeling:

Displaying the dedication to learning sets an inspiring example for your family, friends and colleagues. It demonstrates that growth is a lifelong pursuit and encourages them to embrace their passions, curiosity, and self-improvement.

Advancing Society

Pablo Picasso said ‘ The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away’. By developing and honing your gifts further through a learning phase you contribute to the wider fabric of life, giving back and partaking in the collective contribution to the creation of a better world.