May gives us ‘Learning at Work Week’, and it also sees the return of exam season. The latter being a time to give a bit of extra leniency to those young people sitting exams, tests, quizzes, and papers (are they all the same thing? – that’s a different conversation!). 

It’s a very difficult period. Even if wellbeing has been at the centre of preparations, and perspective has been offered regarding retakes or “focussing on the ones that matter”, at some time or other students will have been told that if they don’t do well, it’s over, they fail, the end. 

Some might say that during our education journey, these moments stifle curiosity, motivation, and a passion for learning. When our ideas and arguments are stamped with a number or letter that dictates our next move. The certificate becomes the seal of approval. 

Pandemic pressure

I’m as guilty as anyone! Pre-pandemic, I was learning the cello. I’d started the new instrument on the eve of my fourth decade and had reached about grade 4 when lockdown started. However, when all that free time came to my door, I couldn’t bear to practise. Covid was a difficult time, and I found the pressure I was putting on myself to do scales and just get to the next piece wasn’t helpful. I wasn’t doing it for love, I was doing it in the hope that enjoyment might come if I was better. 

Looking back now, I think what a wasted opportunity. I still haven’t started again, but I know when I do, I will approach it differently. Enjoyment has to be found in every moment, not just the idealised ‘end’ product.

It’s just not worth learning if it’s not for enjoyment. It feels unnatural and forced. When we learn something and enjoy it, however, it feels like the easiest thing in the world. We are inspired, motivated, and fulfilled. If we can separate the end gaming that accompanies taking on new skills and see qualifications as a fraction of the journey, then we look more towards lifelong learning. 

What is lifelong learning anyway?

Lifelong learning is the choice to acquire knowledge outside of what is required by education or work. There’s a perception that learning is somehow separated from our daily lives. Yet life experiences are one of the best ways to learn.

Thanks to these subtle moments, we surprise ourselves with how much we know. Achieving goals, however small, improves our happiness through serotonin and dopamine hits. Our confidence grows, and by choosing lifelong learning, you enhance your creative thinking skills and flex those problem-solving muscles.

Here are some things you can do to get started:

• Investigate your perceptions of learning. Is something holding you back? Remember, confidence only comes with doing something.  So, get started to see those improvements. 
• Get curious and critical in exploring the world. Question what you see and try something new every day. This will help avoid compartmentalising learning. 
• Absorb new material like a sponge and find opportunities to reuse it. 
• Reflect on your mistakes. See them as learning potential.
• Recognise the learning process - its peaks and troughs - and celebrate how far you’ve come. 
• Feel in control with the knowledge that you can impact your development and enjoy it.

It's difficult because to steadfastly seek learning opportunities, you must first accept that you have a lot to learn. Which can be difficult if you hold yourself to a certain status level. 

However, as with all personal development, practise makes perfect and by starting to put learning at the centre of the life journey, we can ensure that May is not the end; it is just the beginning. 

For some learning opportunities for your school team, why not take a look at our Happy Adults page to find a workshop that’s right for you? Alternatively, you can chat with our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about our bespoke sessions.