Five Habits Of Lifelong Learners

I just finished devouring John Kotter’s “Leading Change” audiobook, and one chapter on leadership and lifelong learning really resonated with me. In it, John Kotter talks about five vital mental habits that one must possess to approach life with a spirit of learning. What stood out to me was the emphasis on the habits.  

It’s a great reference list for anyone to look at and see how they fare on these five habits.

1. Embrace the Challenge: Take Calculated Risks

If you’re serious about learning and growing, you can’t play it safe. You need to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Learning happens when you expose yourself to new perspectives, whether you succeed or fail. So don’t be afraid to try that online course or learn a new skill.

2. Learn from Everything: Reflect with Humility

Being able to reflect without ego is crucial for learning. Take time to honestly assess your experiences, both successes and failures. Be open to feedback, even if it’s critical, and use it to improve.

3. Seek Diverse Voices: Actively Solicit Opinions

Learning is not a solitary pursuit. Actively seek out different perspectives and information, ask questions, and be open to ideas that challenge your own. Engage in discussions with people from various backgrounds and disciplines.

4. Listen Deeply: Go Beyond Hearing

Truly listening goes beyond just hearing words. It’s about being engaged, understanding the underlying message, and asking clarifying questions. By actively listening, you can absorb information more effectively and gain valuable insights.

5. Embrace the New: Keep an Open Mind

 In a constantly evolving world, it’s important to remain open to new ideas and problem-solving approaches if you want to be a lifelong learner.

I found myself doing a mental checklist against these five habits and realized I needed to improve habit 3.