Lifelong learning

I am a vocal advocate for lifelong learning. That is, I believe in continuing one's education beyond school and university, both in formal environments such as University and TAFE as well as informal settings such as networks, keen observation and constant reflection.

In informal settings, we are learning all the time. For instance, I learned recently that disobeying the law relating to talking on a mobile phone whilst driving will land you a hefty fine and stern lecture from a police officer (constantly break the law and eventually you will get caught). I also learned, on three seperate occasions, some safe cooking practices that will in future prevent my kitchen catching on fire (in addition, I learned my husband is head chef at home for good reason).

These lessons, as with many of our daily learnings, are building on existing knowledge that has retreated to the darker corners of our minds. Its not new stuff.

Learning is defined as "The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill". Gaining knowledge, not building on existing knowledge.

So I got to thinking: when (and why) do we stop learning brand new things?

In our childhoods we learned brand new things every single day. How to ride a bike. How to tie our shoelaces. French knitting. Algebra. How to bait a fish hook. How to dance. How to shoot a hoop. Then at some point we switch to refining our foundation of skills, becoming experts at the skills that come easiest or bring us the most pleasure. Our love of maths leads us to be an accountant, whilst our love of netball becomes a hobby and way of combining our social lives and fitness. We strive to become experts in our jobs and to win whatever competition our sporting team is in. Being exposed to fewer and fewer new things means we're using the same cogs in our brains and muscles in our bodies day after day - but what about the rest of our mind and bodies, lying dormant, patiently waiting for us to awaken them?

In the spirit of awakening my dormant bits, I've decided to review my list of "101 things to do before I die" (everyone has one, right?), adding to the existing list of travel experiences and acquiring jewellery from Tiffany's to include at least some brand new things to awaken those sleeping parts of my mind and body.

Some ideas:

* Learn to mow the lawn and whipper snip (practical as well as physically demanding, based on my observations of my husband completing this task)

* Learn a new language (not a Latin based language as I already speak French. Maybe Mandarin or Swahili)

* Learn to play an instrument (harmonica, spoons, anything that makes music)

* Learn how to change a car tyre (very practical! also maybe learn how to put air in tyres to help avoid a flat)

* Learn how to use an abacus (probably incredibly easy, very useful if I get an opportunity to time travel)

* Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow (why should the blokes have all the Robin Hood moments?)

* Learn how to sculpt, paint, craft something out of wood (I'm thinking of the movie Ghost....)

* Learn how to sew a hem (added benefit of making my Mum proud)

If you take up this challenge yourself, there's also an opportunity to tap into your inner child, which is enormously appealing when you consider the opportunities:

* Learn how to climb a tree

* Learn how to skip or play elastics

* Learn how to play the Wii, use an ipod touch, write a blog, use Facebook or create your own app
* Learn how to jump in puddles without caring about (a) ruining your blow dry, (b) looking like a maniac to passersby and (c) causing the biggest splashes possible - there is truly an art to it!

The amazing and often unexpected benefit of getting outside your comfort zone, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to feel a little silly or exposed is that you also learn a lot about yourself. You discover natural talents, you test your endurance, patience and perseverence. You meet new people. And your brain and body strengthen and grow.

So consider adding to your "To Do" list this week, this month and this year a few new things to learn. You'll probably find there are dozens of things you've "always" wanted to do. Don't wait until you have more time (you'll never get more minutes in your day than you have now). Consider diverting some of your time away from getting better at what you already know, towards learning something brand new that you've never done before.

It'll be an investment in your future. In building up your brain and body, you'll be better placed to become that expert, indulge that passion, become that industry leader. And you might just get to know yourself a little better on the way.