The Benefits of Learning Something New
For many of us, September is back-to-school time – whether you have kids at home or the change of seasons harkens back to your own school days. Many of us get a little flutter of excitement in September because the back-to-school season signifies a compelling opportunity to learn something new. (It doesn’t hurt that it also heralds cozy sweaters and steaming drinks.)
This is especially true for me, because I have a newfound appreciation for learning new things.
It started when I moved to the UK four years ago and had to learn to drive on the left side of the road after 30 years of driving on the right. And that wasn’t the worst of it – roundabouts caused me so much agita I had to do breathing exercises as I approached them. To make matters worse, the UK driver’s test, which I had to take, is considered to be among the most challenging in the world and consists of no fewer than three exams – theory, hazard perception, and practical.
I can’t tell you the level of stress it caused me to even think about having to take a driving test. To add salt to the wound, I quickly came to realize there was no way I could pass the practical test without actually taking driving lessons – three decades after I thought I would be done with them forever.
Photo by Lucas Miguel and Unsplash
Four lessons into what was a rather humbling learning experience, I realized something. The order of operations I needed to learn to pass the practical test were basically a set of choreographed movements. Check mirrors, signal, manoeuver. Identify dip stick, remove, wipe down, measure. (Yes you have to do that for a UK driver’s test!)
But what I suddenly came to realize was that as a former dancer, my years of dance training set me up well to manage this learning process. Over time, I have learned how to learn movement-based skills quite efficiently.
As soon as I started to see my driving test as a new kind of dance choreography, my anxiety dissipated because I had faith in my ability to do that particular type of learning.
Long story short, I failed my first attempts at the written exam AND the hazard perception test (yikes), but I passed the practical and have been a proud holder of a UK driver’s license ever since.
But the bigger take-away for me was the value I found in challenging myself with a new skill.
Here’s why I think learning something new is so important for us:
It actually grows your brain.
Practicing new skills actually changes brain chemistry in a way that can help us perform better and learn better. This does, of course, become increasingly important as we age.
It gives you a series of small wins to celebrate.
Who doesn’t need this right now? The first time I went around a complex roundabout without sweating I came home and celebrated. It’s a great way to find a bit of joy in your day.
It opens your mind to new ways of addressing challenges.
This is a skill that is applicable in every aspect of our lives.
It introduces you to new communities and people outside your bubble.
I have always loved finding the tight-knit communities of people who all share a common passion that I have never even heard of before. Becoming a part of one of those communities is such a thrill.
It builds an important skill we all need to work on: our ability to adapt well to change.
Change is inevitable, especially as world events call upon every one of us to consider how we can make individual and localized changes to ensure a brighter future for all.
So I have decided that every year I will find a new skill to learn.
This year has been horse riding. Yes, I have become an equestrian at the age of 47. This has again been a rather humbling experience, but also tremendously rewarding. I’ve met so many interesting people, been able to explore the area around me in a new way, and just had a ton of fun. I have also stumbled upon a new learning practice that I am now incorporating into my executive and career coaching: Equine-Facilitated Learning. More on that later, but check this out if you’d like to catch a glimpse of what it’s all about.
Part of what I love about Tide Risers is that it gives me so many opportunities to learn from the amazing women in our community.
Because our Leadership Principles call for us to act in a spirit of Abundance toward one another, we have created a learning community where everyone gives generously of their time and talent.
If this sounds like the type of community you’d like to be a part of, I invite you to consider joining our membership program and/or joining us for our upcoming online summit, Rising Higher, taking place October 12 & 13. Learn more at the links below.
Lara Holliday is the Founder + CEO of Tide Risers. Read her story here.