If I’m being honest, I probably learned more after school than I ever did as a student. I was far from diligent during my school years, mostly because I failed to see the connection between what I was learning there and what went on in the outside world.
The thing that saved me was my urge to read. Sometimes obsessively. Anything written. Cereal boxes. The back of bus tickets. You get the picture.
But when I left school, I found work didn’t stimulate my mind as much as I thought it would, and generally had nothing to do with whatever interested me through my various phases.
Perhaps you’ve also noticed that learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. Some of the most meaningful intellectual growth happens over the years that follow the end of your formal education. You may be keen on sharpening your skills, exploring new interests, or just trying to keep your mind active. Regardless, lifelong learning is one of the most rewarding ways to invest in yourself.
Here are five practical, enjoyable ways to keep learning:
1. Follow Your Curiosity Through Books, Podcasts, and Articles
One of the most effortless ways to continue learning is to just follow the trail of your own curiosity. Books, podcasts, and longer articles provide a never-ending opportunity to explore new ideas in a less structured way.
- Books give you deep, full immersion into your chosen topic. I have never found anything else that can suck you in the way a good book can. And they can provide a level of detail that no blog post ever will. Psychology, history, personal finance, personal development… regardless of your area of interest, reading will help you build your knowledge one layer at a time.
- Podcasts are great for busy schedules. You can learn about stoicism while driving to work, or learn about digital marketing while you cook dinner.
- Articles and newsletters are a good way to stay up-to-date with trends, research, and new perspectives.
If you’re unsure where to start, and if this is not something you normally do, I highly recommend going to a bookstore. Browse, let your gaze wander over the titles through all sections as you make your way around. You might be surprised by what grabs your attention.
After that, or if you don’t have much time, you can try curated lists on Goodreads or find podcast charts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
The smallest spark can quickly turn into a wildfire of information in your mind.
Further exploration:
2. Take Online Courses to Build New Skills
Online learning has really come a long way in recent years. High-quality education is now more accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Whether you’re interested in coding, photography, accounting, marketing, or even ancient history, you’ll find plenty of courses online.
Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer classes taught by university professors and industry experts. Many courses are free to audit, and you can choose formats that fit your lifestyle—video lessons, interactive exercises, or self‑paced modules.
The best part is that you can pick and choose courses to suit your goals. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to switch careers, move up in your current line of work, or just learn something new for fun, online courses are available and flexible.
Further exploration:
3. Join Communities That Encourage Growth
Like many things in life, learning can be more fun when you share it with others. Joining a community (virtual or physical) can help you stay motivated and excited about whatever you are interested in.
Consider joining:
- Book clubs to discuss new reads.
- Meetup groups focused on hobbies or professional skills.
- Online forums like Reddit communities or specialized Facebook groups.
- Local workshops at libraries, coworking spaces, or community centers.
Being part of a group that is learning together means you stay accountable. It exposes you to points of view that may not have occurred to you otherwise. It’s also just more fun to see there are real live people in the world that share your interests.
Further exploration:
4. Learn by Doing: Start a Project
There’s a reason why being “thrown in the deep end” is a saying. There’s something about that sink-or-swim situation that just solidifies knowledge in your mind like nothing else. When you roll up your sleeves and try something new, something magical happens.
Don’t get me wrong, new experiences often come with some level of frustration and some form of a learning curve. It’s up to you to develop the wherewithal to know when to endure and when to give up.
Projects can turn abstract ideas into real-world experience.
You might:
- Start a blog
- Build a small app
- Try a new recipe every week
- Plant a garden
- Launch a side business
- Create a piece of art
Projects teach you about problem-solving, creativity, resilience, and, sometimes, going with the flow. They also give you tangible evidence of your progress.
If you don’t know where to start or what to try, we are two very different human beings. I can’t remember the last time I had too much time and not enough ideas. Anyway… if you’re note sure where to start, think back on things you’ve always wanted to try but never got around to. Start small. Stay curious. When you need it, ask for help.
Further exploration:
5. Make Micro‑Learning Part of Your Daily Routine
Not all learning is about diving deep. Micro-learning (learning in short, bite-sized sessions) is something you can fit in among your daily commitments without causing too much disruption, and it helps keep your brain active.
Examples include:
- Watching a 10‑minute tutorial
- Learning a new word each day
- Using language‑learning apps
- Reading a short article during a break
- Practicing a skill for just 5 minutes
Small efforts like this add up. Over time, micro-learning builds positive habits that help you stay curious and keep your mind sharp.
Further exploration:
Final Thoughts
Making learning a lifelong habit is not about degrees or even mastery in every subject. It’s more about staying open to new ideas, new skills, and new ways of perceiving the world. Reading, taking courses, joining communities, starting projects, or simply learning small bits of new information during breaks are all ways to turn yourself into a more capable, curious, and fulfilled version of yourself.
Grow Up With Dominic 
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