Here I am in my mid-fifties and I go to school. What’s up with that? Call me crazy, but I really enjoy learning. I am in a Fellowship Program in Advanced Psychodynamic Theory at the University of Chicago.
What are you learning about? If I were to unpack my response to this question, it would be more than a discussion about academics. My curiosity takes me in many directions. Most of all, I continue to learn about me and challenge myself to constantly grow as an individual.
Carpedium–
“seize the day” is my motto.
What are you learning about?
In part two of my five part series called My Total Fitness Plan, I focus on intellectual fitness. Last week, I talked about physical fitness
(click here).
No matter how old you are, you should never stop learning for these three reasons.
- Learning keeps you growing.
- Learning gives you power.
- Learning opens doors of opportunity.
As you contemplate your intellectual fitness, I invite you to unpack three questions with me. Here’s the first.
What are you learning from your life so far?
Sometimes it is good to stop and reflect on what we’ve learned in life so far. The decisions we make in life teach us about ourselves. We can learn from the choices we make, good or bad. Are you happy with how your life is turning out so far?
Here are some questions you can reflect on that will help you determine what you are learning from your life so far.
- Do I know what I believe? And, do I honor these beliefs?
- Do I like myself? And, do I take good care of me?
- Do I know what I want to do with my life? And, am I doing it?
- Do I know my fears, insecurities, and weaknesses? And, do I confront them?
- Do I treat others the way I want to be treated? And, would others agree with me?
- Do I learn from my mistakes? Or, do I keep on repeating the same ones?
- Do I keep on trying to grow? Or, have I settled?
What are you learning for your future?
When we were kids and teens we equated learning with planning for our future careers. As adults we continue to learn for the present and future. What are your learning about for your future?
In addition to my academics, I am learning about social marketing so I can expand my professional work in a larger geographical area. I enjoy learning about blogging, video and other creative methods to promote healthy relationships.
As you contemplate your professional future are you considering going back to school or developing training in a different field?
What about your personal life? Do you want to learn how to be a better spouse or parent? Maybe it is time to learn about your planning for your financial future. Plan to live a long life? It might be good to learn more about health, nutrition, and exercise.
A key in intellectual fitness is investing some time and resources in learning for your future. Read books, take classes, attend seminars, get coaching, talk to people you can learn from in the area you target.
[Tweet “A key in intellectual fitness is investing some time and resources in learning for your future. Read books, take classes, attend seminars, get coaching, talk to people you can learn from in the area you target. – Don Olund”]
What are you learning for fun?
Learning doesn’t only have to be about serious stuff. I enjoy learning for fun. One of my favorite apps is
Lumosity. It exercises your brain by doing these really cool exercises.
This summer I bought a really nice SLR camera to take pictures and do video. I decided to take a photography class in 2015 to learn how to use the settings on the camera and take high quality photos.
How about you? Ready to learn a new sport, say golf? Maybe you want to learn how to dance. Perhaps you want to take up cooking or home remodeling. The list of fun and interesting learning activities are endless!
Now with all the on-demand TV and video access you can learn just about anything you want! Why waste your time watching brainless reality shows? Exercise your brain by watching the Learning Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, or Nature Channel.
Now it’s your turn
So, I am curious to learn how you exercise your brain. What are you learning about your self? What are you learning for your future? Finally, what are you learning for fun?
Post your comments below by signing up through your Facebook or Twitter account. Or, you can signup using
Disqus.
My Christmas Gift
I authored a booklet, My Total Fitness Plan. It covers the five levels of fitness I am currently writing about in this series. If you would like my Christmas Gift, fill out the form to the right and I will mail you a copy. This is a time-limited opportunity. In 2015, the booklet will be available only by purchase. Get your free booklet now so you can get your Total Fitness Plan ready for the start of the new year!
