Tom Vanderbilt, a writer who embarked on learning multiple new skills and hobbies as an adult beginner, shares his experience and the benefits of lifelong learning. He discusses the challenges and benefits of being an adult beginner, the journey of skill acquisition, the emotional benefits of singing in a choir, and the importance of continuous learning in a changing world.
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Quick takeaways
Lifelong learning enhances knowledge, skills, and engagement with the world, fostering a sense of fulfillment.
Being a beginner challenges and revitalizes individuals, uncovering hidden talents and providing new levels of engagement with the world.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning offers numerous benefits, yet many people hesitate to engage in it. Challenges such as lack of time, responsibilities, and external barriers often hinder adults from learning new things. However, in a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential for adaptation and growth. Older adults can indeed learn new skills, and research shows that cognitive abilities can be improved through learning. The key is to have a growth mindset, follow personal interests, and set achievable goals. Lifelong learning not only enhances knowledge and skills but also fosters engagement with the world, allowing individuals to appreciate new experiences and develop a sense of fulfillment.
The Curious Journey of an Adult Beginner
Author Tom Vanderbilt embarked on a journey of learning new skills as an adult beginner. He initiated this quest after realizing that he himself had not learned new skills for a long time, despite advocating the importance of learning to his daughter. Choosing skills based on personal interest, he delved into surfing, singing, juggling, drawing, and jewelry-making. This diverse range of skills kept him engaged and allowed him to experience the steep learning curve that comes with being a beginner. Vanderbilt highlights the importance of deliberate practice, adaptability, and learning with others slightly better and slightly worse than oneself. He discovered that being a beginner not only challenges but also revitalizes a person, uncovering hidden reservoirs of talent and providing new levels of engagement with the world.
Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Lifelong Learning
Many adults face barriers when it comes to engaging in lifelong learning. Responsibilities, lack of time, and societal stereotypes that older adults struggle to learn can discourage individuals from pursuing new skills and knowledge. However, research demonstrates that adults are capable of learning and can improve their cognitive abilities. Overcoming these barriers requires motivation, self-belief, and creating environments conducive to learning. By challenging oneself, setting achievable goals, and surrounding oneself with learning opportunities and supportive communities, adults can embrace lifelong learning and reap the many benefits it offers, including personal growth, adaptability, and intellectual fulfillment.
That fact had never bothered him – until his four-year-old daughter decided she wanted to have a go.
Within a couple of months, they’d recruited a teacher and both Tom and his daughter combo were battling it out over 64 squares.
Tom found the experience of being an adult beginner so challenging and interesting he thought he'd give it a proper go - with a range of different skills and hobbies.
Over the next year he embarked on learning multiple new skills, from surfing to singing.
On All in the Mind this week, we hear what Tom learnt from his journey, the benefits of lifelong learning, and how kids and adults learn differently.
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