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Recently, I celebrated my 50th birthday, feeling deeply satisfied and excited for what life still has in store for me. But I was caught off guard by the reactions I received—many people associated this milestone with dread and gloom. I don’t feel that way at all.
For me, the experiences, challenges, and even disappointments I’ve accumulated have transformed into wrinkles of wisdom etched into my face. With time, I’ve become more proficient at reflecting on life’s lessons, increasingly pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and soaking up the stories of others. Years ago, I committed to being a lifelong learner. This mindset has fueled my confidence, kept me relevant, heightened my engagement, and opened doors to richer connections.
In business, cultivating a habit of continuous learning positions us for long-term success. Successful leaders are quick to reflect, extract valuable lessons from setbacks, and move forward with clarity. Learning keeps us vibrant and adaptable, especially in a world that’s constantly changing.
In this post, I’ll share practical ways to embrace learning based on a simple framework from James Clear, who highlights three primary ways to learn: reflecting on our own experiences, trying new things, and exploring the stories of others.
Learn from your own experiences.
Reflection is a cornerstone of learning. It’s not enough to have experiences; we must create space to extract meaning from them. I love journaling and asking powerful questions for this type of learning. These questions can shift our thinking, turning a challenge into an opportunity for growth.
When reflecting, it’s helpful to ask questions starting with “what” and “how” instead of “why.” While Simon Sinek’s focus on “why” is great for problem-solving, it’s not always the best approach for reflection. “Why” can sometimes send us into a defensive or negative spiral: “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did I make that mistake?” Instead, asking “what” and “how” has us looking for patterns, themes, and opens us up to insights and possibilities. Try questions like:
What can I learn from this?
How does this compare to similar situations I’ve faced?
What gaps in my skills or knowledge became clear?
What was the impact of this experience, and how can I use it to grow?
By shifting our approach, we not only extract deeper insights but can also discover next steps to stay forward-thinking and solution oriented.
Learn from new experiences.
To grow, we must step out of our comfort zones and intentionally seek new experiences. Learning doesn’t happen passively; it requires humility, a plan, and a willingness to be stretched.
Start by getting clear on your development goals. Do you want to master a new technical skill, broaden your understanding of a business, expand your professional brand, or increase your visibility? Whatever your goal, set aside your ego and share it with others—your manager, colleagues, mentors, and even peers inside and outside your organization. By sharing your ambitions, others are now aware of them, and you are inviting others to offer guidance, opportunities, and insights that you might not have considered. Try asking questions like:
Would delegating this task be a good use of your time?
How could you see me participating differently?
What needs to happen over the next 3-6 months for satisfactory progress?
How could I do more of what I love at work?
Next, take the initiative to raise your hand for stretch assignments, new projects, or responsibilities that push your boundaries. These experiences not only sharpen your skills but also position you as someone willing to grow and tackle new challenges.
Learn from the stories of others.
One of the richest ways to learn is by drawing on the experiences of others. Their stories offer invaluable lessons and perspectives, often revealing strategies and insights that we might overlook on our own.
Seek out diverse viewpoints from inside and outside your industry to be refined and strengthened by stories and relationships with others. Read widely—from books to articles to reports—and approach each source with curiosity, eager to discover new insights. Nurture connection by observing organizational dynamics, tuning into the subtleties of team interactions, and listening closely during meetings, 1:1s, and Townhalls. There’s always something to learn if we’re paying attention. Try asking questions like:
What do you want or need to achieve?
How will you keep moving forward?
What makes you feel energized?
What breaks your heart?
Engage with people who excel in areas you’re less familiar with—whether it’s within your workplace or in other settings. Their expertise can provide a fresh lens through which to view your own challenges, offering new solutions, and expanding your perspective.
Conclusion
To build a strong leadership brand, align your learning with your goals. Seek knowledge to improve yourself, not to prove yourself. As your experiences and ambitions evolve, hold yourself accountable for evolving your knowledge and skills too.
Real growth happens when we stretch beyond what feels safe. Learning boosts our confidence, keeps us engaged, and strengthens our relationships. By adopting a habit of continuous learning, we not only position ourselves for success but also inspire and uplift those around us.
So, here’s to embracing the next chapter of life—wrinkles of wisdom and all—and continuing the journey of growth with curiosity and excitement!
As a leadership coach, I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive.
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