When is the last time you remember genuinely learning something new? Was it back in college, at your Yoga Teacher Training, or maybe it was your First Aid Course? All of these programs have one thing in common; they are structured to have you engage with the content.

As adults, our interests change, and we find ourselves wanting to learn about a new subject, but, now with all the added responsibilities of adulthood, we feel overwhelmed. We need a system in place for us to stick to our goal. 

Whether we are looking to pick up a new language, learn a new skill, or tackle a big DIY project, it will require us to set aside our so-called responsibilities for a little bit each day. 

Here begins the challenge, prioritization. How can we possibly make this new goal a priority with all the present demands of our job and family life? And more importantly, where can we find the permission to grant ourselves the freedom to learn, to explore, and to gain a fresh perspective.

When we are passive in our Learning, we challenge our short term memory without a second thought. Meanwhile, we miss out on the opportunity to actively be a part of this process. Engaging our long-term memory and allowing our minds to integrate this new information to enhance our current understanding.

While stuck at home during Quarantine, I was determined to learn something new. I asked myself, what could I learn at home in less than 5 minutes a day? When I found a Herbal Deck I had bought three years ago, the answer was clear. I could learn about herbs one card at a time.

How many of us buy something with good intentions and end up putting our interests on the bookshelf for days, months, or, in my case, years.

I thought to myself, how can I create accountability to learn one herb a day truly. I noticed video calls were becoming increasingly popular for staying in touch and thought why not create a Game on social media. The next day I started posting on Instagram Story.

Before I knew it, I was coming up with clues, cross-referencing my herbal books, and creating quizzes to create more engagement and share my Learning with those looking for a refresher, a quick google search, or even an introduction to Herbalism.

This process required me to be active in my Learning, and I got the opportunity to have conversations about herbs, connect with old friends, and share value.

3 Recommendations for Actually Learning as an Adult

1. Do what I did and make a Game. Make it fun.
2. Create accountability for yourself. Create a personal blog or a journal on the topic.
3. Dedicate a time of day where you interact with the content. Consistency will create a habit.

If you have a jam-packed schedule and cannot conceive of adding more to your commitments, perhaps your time window is five minutes between your work shift or a break in the car before your long commute home.

Let’s take the excuses out of the equation by being honest with ourselves and setting realistic goals. 

Every day is an opportunity to have fun, to learn something new, and to create healthy habits.