Many perceive learning as a structured activity confined to classrooms, textbooks, and exams. This formal approach to education is indeed valuable, but it represents only a fraction of how we actually acquire knowledge. The truth is, we are constantly absorbing new information, often without even realizing it. From discovering the best way to ripen avocados to finding a faster route to the grocery store, our brains are always at work, making connections and expanding our understanding of the world. “It’s really important to give ourselves credit for the massive amount of information we learn without realizing it,” emphasizes cognitive scientist Pooja Agarwal, an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music. Embracing this inherent ability to Learn Something New Everyday can unlock a world of personal growth and cognitive well-being.
It’s important to differentiate between memorization and true learning. While memory is simply the retention of facts, learning is a deeper, more transformative process. Hadley Bergstrom, an associate professor of psychological science at Vassar College, explains, “Memory refers to the retention of information, whereas learning is the long-term acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience.” We might memorize a list of Spanish vocabulary words for a test, but we learn Spanish by actively using the language, making mistakes, and practicing over time. This active engagement is what forges lasting connections in our brains.
Learning fundamentally changes our brain structure. Every new experience, every new piece of information, strengthens existing neural pathways and creates new ones. Neurons, the nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals throughout our body, form intricate networks that are constantly being refined by learning. Think of learning a new skill like knitting or playing a musical instrument. Initially, the actions feel clumsy and difficult. However, with repeated practice, the connections between neurons involved in these activities become stronger, making the skill feel more natural and effortless. This neurological rewiring is the essence of learning and the reason why “learn something new everyday” is not just a nice idea, but a powerful strategy for brain health.
As we age, and formal education becomes less frequent, the importance of continuous learning only increases. Research suggests that engaging in learning activities throughout life can play a significant role in preserving cognitive function. Cognitive function encompasses our ability to think, reason, remember, and learn – essentially, our intellectual capacity. Studies have indicated a correlation between lifelong learning and maintained cognitive abilities, even into older age. Individuals with higher levels of education, for example, have shown better cognitive performance in their 50s compared to those with less education. “I think you can broadly say,” Bergstrom notes, “that new learning over long periods of time is likely going to improve cognition as you age.” Therefore, the simple act of striving to learn something new everyday can be a powerful tool in maintaining a sharp and healthy mind as we navigate life’s journey.
In today’s rapidly evolving, technology-driven world, learning new skills is not just about cognitive health; it’s also about maintaining independence. Rachel Wu, an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, points out the practical implications: “If you don’t know how to do online banking and you don’t live near a bank, you have to rely on somebody else to handle your money for you. If you don’t know how to use a smartphone, a lot of options are closed to you, like rideshare apps.” Learning how to navigate new technologies and acquire essential life skills ensures we remain active participants in society and maintain control over our lives. Embracing the concept of “learn something new everyday” is, in this sense, an act of self-empowerment.
However, the idea of constantly learning can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What if you feel like you don’t have the time, money, or aptitude for learning new things? The good news is that learning doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive undertaking. There are countless accessible and low-effort ways to “learn something new everyday” without enrolling in formal classes.
Learning Happens Everywhere, All the Time
Shift your perspective on learning. It’s not limited to classrooms and textbooks. Learning opportunities are all around us. Think about the vast amount of information available at our fingertips. Reading a Wikipedia article about a historical event, watching a YouTube tutorial on fixing a leaky faucet, or following a recipe for a new dish are all forms of learning in action. The key is to be curious and open to absorbing information from diverse sources. However, it’s crucial to be discerning about your sources. Before investing time in learning from online resources, take a moment to evaluate the credibility of the creator. Does the author or presenter possess genuine expertise in the subject matter? Are they trying to sell you something under the guise of education? Being a critical consumer of information ensures you are learning from reliable and trustworthy sources.
By the time we reach adulthood, we often have a good understanding of our own learning styles. Reflect on your past learning experiences, both in formal education and in your hobbies. Do you learn best through hands-on experimentation? Do you solidify your understanding by explaining concepts to others? Do you prefer to learn at your own pace or in a structured group setting? Understanding your preferred learning style can help you tailor your approach to “learn something new everyday” effectively. Consider what motivates you most: independent study or guided instruction. Some thrive on the flexibility of self-directed learning, while others are energized by the collaborative environment of a classroom. Choose learning methods that align with your personal preferences and motivations.
For accessible and affordable learning opportunities, look no further than your own community and personal network. Perhaps your neighbor is a skilled gardener who could teach you about cultivating herbs. In return, you could share your knowledge of baking sourdough bread. If you find it challenging to commit to structured classes, consider learning alongside your children as they engage in their own activities. Allyson Mackey, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that parents can learn new skills by participating in their children’s hobbies and lessons. For a more immersive learning experience, consider traveling to places with cultures different from your own. While travel may involve a greater investment of time and resources, it offers unparalleled opportunities for expanding your horizons and learning in profound ways.
Embrace the Challenge of Continuous Growth
As we settle into routines, our brains become highly efficient at navigating familiar tasks and environments. While this efficiency is beneficial for daily life, it can also lead to intellectual stagnation. To truly “learn something new everyday,” we need to actively challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zones. This doesn’t mean learning has to be unpleasant; in fact, it should be engaging and enjoyable. However, it does require a commitment to continuous progression. Once you’ve mastered a basic skill, like playing a simple melody on the piano, push yourself to learn a more complex piece or explore more challenging musical concepts.
Researchers often draw parallels between learning and physical exercise. Just as varying your workout routine is crucial for muscle growth and overall fitness, varying your learning experiences is essential for cognitive development. “What’s fundamental about exercising muscles is you don’t do the same thing every single day,” Bergstrom explains. Engaging in new and challenging learning activities, as opposed to repetitive tasks like daily crossword puzzles, can be more effective in promoting long-term cognitive health and slowing down cognitive aging. The key is to constantly seek new intellectual challenges to keep your brain stimulated and adaptable.
Feedback is an invaluable tool for accelerating learning and ensuring continuous improvement. Whether it’s a language instructor correcting your pronunciation or a tutor guiding you through a complex math problem, external feedback helps identify areas for growth and refinement. Even self-directed learning benefits from feedback, albeit in a different form. If you’re learning beekeeping through online resources and your hives produce no honey, that’s a clear indication that adjustments are needed. Wu emphasizes that “Even with trial and error by yourself, you would still get feedback. It’s just from the environment and a little bit slower than feedback from an instructor.” Embrace mistakes and perceived failures as integral parts of the learning process. These missteps provide valuable insights that allow you to adjust your approach, improve your performance, and ultimately deepen your understanding. “Learning, in general, happens,” Wu states, “when you make a mistake, and then you change your behavior to adjust to that.”
Leverage Your Existing Knowledge Base
Adult learning is not about starting from scratch; it’s about building upon the foundation of skills and knowledge you’ve already acquired throughout your life. If you’re learning a new language as an adult, you don’t need to relearn the fundamental concepts of words, sentences, and grammar like a toddler. You can leverage your existing linguistic understanding to accelerate the learning process. Wu illustrates this point: “If you already know how to play the violin, playing the piano might be a little bit easier, because you can translate from one instrument to the other.” Prior experience in one area can often create transferable skills and make learning related skills more efficient.
However, it’s also important to recognize that every new skill or area of knowledge has its unique nuances and challenges. While your existing skills can be an asset, they may not always directly translate to your new pursuit. For example, a violinist learning piano might initially struggle with reading music on two staves instead of one. Be prepared to encounter moments of confusion and frustration when your old skills don’t perfectly align with your new learning endeavor. Maintain a flexible mindset, be patient with yourself, and avoid getting discouraged by initial setbacks. Embrace the process of adaptation and allow yourself to learn and grow.
Practice Retrieval: Solidify Your Learning
Instead of solely focusing on absorbing new information, prioritize actively retrieving and utilizing what you’ve learned. Agarwal advocates for retrieval practice, a powerful learning technique that involves consciously recalling and reflecting on information to enhance retention. Simply thinking back on what you read in a book, recounting a funny story you heard on a podcast, or even remembering what you ate for breakfast are all forms of retrieval practice. A simple yet effective way to incorporate retrieval practice into your daily routine is to make it a habit to write down or share with someone one new thing you learned each day. “That will boost your memory and your long-term learning,” Agarwal explains, “without taking more than 30 seconds and without any cost at all.” This small daily practice reinforces learning and makes it more likely to stick in your long-term memory.
Even on days when you feel like you haven’t learned anything new, take a moment to reflect. You likely absorbed more than you realize. Perhaps you learned a faster route to work without relying on GPS, discovered where to find a specific item in a grocery store, or figured out how to set up a new piece of technology. Teaching what you’ve just learned to someone else is another highly effective method of solidifying your understanding, Mackey points out. Articulating your knowledge to others forces you to organize your thoughts and create a coherent narrative, which further strengthens your memory and comprehension.
“Sometimes we focus on getting information into our heads, like watching videos, going to lectures,” Agarwal concludes. “Where the magic happens with learning is getting information out of our heads.” By shifting our focus from passive information consumption to active retrieval and application, we can unlock the full potential of “learn something new everyday” and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
