Continuous learning
Many years ago, I can remember a work colleague telling me that they didn’t feel they had to learn anything new, what other improvements could be made. Then came smart phones. I can remember feeling sad at the time and often wonder how they have coped with the rapid rate of change that has occurred in all aspects of life.
In a world that’s evolving at lightning speed, staying on top of the latest trends, technology, and skills can feel like a never-ending journey. But that’s the beauty of it—learning is an ongoing process. It’s not about reaching a destination; it’s about growing, adapting, and embracing the unknown, no matter where you are in life.
Over the past few months , I’ve seen this concept of continuous learning in action in two very different areas of my life: while preparing for a podcast recording and watching my 97-year-old mother-in-law master a new crochet technique.
Podcast Insights
When Jacqui, Jessica and I first decided to film our podcast, I thought it would be a straightforward process. Turn on the microphones, ask some questions, and share our insights with the world. How hard could it be? As it turns out, producing a podcast requires far more preparation and learning than I ever imagined. To create something meaningful, we knew we couldn’t just wing it. We had to listen, study, and learn from the pros who had come before us.
We researched, prepared and practiced, tweaking our format, experimenting with different ways of asking questions, and trying to find our unique voice. Then there was dealing with checking our work which, for me, included listening and looking at myself, something I have always struggled with.
What started as a simple idea to film a podcast became a masterclass in adaptability and growth. The learning didn’t stop with recording, we used expert help for the filming and editing and learnt from their feedback. I realized that just like any craft, mastering podcasting takes time, dedication, and an open mind.
The Granny Square Victory
While I was knee-deep in podcasting, my 97-year-old mother-in-law was quietly tackling a challenge of her own. For years she’s loved crocheting granny squares, but despite her passion for the craft, she had never learned how to crochet the squares together. Instead, she would painstakingly sew them, one by one, into a final blanket.
Someone saw her sewing and said they would show her how to crochet them together. She was thrilled to finally learn and proud to have finally mastered a new skill.
It wasn’t because she couldn’t learn; it was because she had been sewing them for so long that the idea of learning a new technique felt overwhelming. It took one special person with the right way of teaching her for something to click. She picked up her crochet hook, and for the first time in 97 years, is happily crocheting her squares together into one beautiful, cohesive piece.
Listening to her telling me all about it with pride was a reminder that learning never stops. At 97, she didn’t just improve her crochet skills; she embraced the idea of stepping out of her comfort zone to try something new. Whether it’s figuring out podcasting or perfecting a craft in your 90s, the process of learning keeps us engaged with the world around us.
The Takeaway: Always Be Learning
These two experiences, though vastly different, reminded me that no matter how old you are or what stage of life you’re in, there’s always room to learn something new. The podcast project pushed me out of my comfort zone, requiring research, trial and error, self-improvement and learning to be comfortable listening to and looking at myself. At the same time, my mother-in-law’s crochet triumph was a testament to the idea that learning isn’t just for the young—it’s for everyone, at every age.
In both cases, the key wasn’t natural talent or years of experience. It was curiosity, patience, and the willingness to try again. Learning is a journey, and while it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. It has certainly increased my confidence and self esteem and the research says that it will have also boosted my brain health. I know with my mother-in-law it has certainly given her a boost.
So, the next time you face a new challenge, remember: it’s never too late to learn. Every stumble, every retry, and every small victory along the way is a step forward in your journey of growth. Keep learning, stay curious, and enjoy the ride.
