Happiness and learning are inextricably linked. In fact, learning something new and different as often as possible has been proven to enable a positive attitude and happiness. This finding continues to show up in new studies, and it seems to be universally accepted by happiness experts. Read on to understand more reasons why it’s important we learn something new as often as possible.
Why It’s Good to Learn Something New
Making a habit of learning something new also has many other benefits, including improving brain health, avoiding dementia, Alzheimer’s and the like.
These days, with technology exploding around us and new gadgets available at every turn, it’s easy to find new things to learn. But it sure can get overwhelming.
It’s a struggle to stay current.
And at a certain point in our lives, whether we want to admit it or not, many of us begin to stick with what we know – and avoid new challenges.
When composing this post, I started to wonder if this may be the defining moment where we actually begin to become “old”: That instant when we first consciously avoid learning something new, as opposed to embracing a challenging, novel task. It gave me pause.
I immediately googled a few things I’ve been meaning to learn more about!
My spirits rose after reading about a few new topics, so I decided to add something to my calendar. Every single day I have a reminder at the end of the day that says, “Did you do something new?”, so it’s always at the top of my mind.
On my best days I learn something new that is awesome.
But every day is not my best day. So, on those days, it can be as simple as doing something new, instead.
Sometimes I visit a different part of my office or take a new route to the store.
Or maybe I’ll buy a shirt in a color I never wear, try a new lipstick, a new exercise, or part my hair on the opposite side.
Or read an online article about a topic I’ve never researched before.
But darn it, I’m doing something new every day.
So yes, as you can see from these examples, there are many ways to stimulate our brain without mastering the latest technologies. So, if we choose to, we can successfully avoid getting too tech savvy and still grow!
But I have to admit, every time I master a new technology-related task, the rush is incredible, and the payback is almost always instant.
So, if you’re up for the challenge – why not learn something new today? The whole “inter-web” (my kids’ term, used to shame me) is out there waiting to help. Happy Learning!
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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