Reflect on your education and lifelong learning goals

This guide can help you figure out how to learn more, grow more, and, dare I say, have fun doing it. Whether leveling up for your career, diving into a new hobby, or expanding your knowledge to win more arguments (oops, I mean healthy debates), this guide will help you learn intentionally.

Step 1: Reflect

Before you plan, let’s take a moment to look at where you are with learning, besides Googling random things at 2 a.m.

Grab a journal and ask yourself these questions:

• How do I currently learn new things?

  Podcasts? Online courses? YouTube deep dives? Figuring out your favorite learning methods helps you focus on what works best (no shame if it's TED Talks while eating lunch).

• Am I still curious, or am I stuck in a rut?

  Does curiosity still drive you, or has that curiosity fallen into a Netflix binge routine? It’s okay. Recognizing it is the first step to changing it.

• What subjects or skills are calling to me right now?

  Is there something that makes you think, “Wow, that’s cool, I wish I knew more about that?” Anything counts, whether it’s philosophy, graphic design, or baking really fancy bread.

• Am I learning for fun, growth, or something else?

  Knowing why you’re learning helps set the direction. Maybe it’s career-driven, maybe it's just to prove that you can finally learn guitar chords without your fingers cramping up.

• Do I feel challenged, or am I playing it safe?

  Are you pushing yourself to tackle tricky subjects, or sticking with what you already know? (Playing it safe is fine for skydiving, less so for lifelong learning.)

• What's holding me back?

  Be honest. Is it a lack of time, motivation, or maybe just not knowing where to start? Identifying what’s tripping you up is half the battle.

Step 2: Identify

Now, let’s get specific about what’s next on your educational journey.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s one topic or skill I want to explore in the next few months?

  Pick just one thing to dive into. You’re less likely to get overwhelmed this way. Plus, you’ll actually get to the “I did it!” part a lot faster.

• Do I need formal education or something less...formal?

  Maybe you need an online course with a certificate for your resumé, or maybe a YouTube playlist will do the trick. Decide what’s right for you and your goals.

• What's stopping me from diving in?

  No judgment here. Sometimes it’s just Netflix being too tempting. But really, is it a lack of time, fear of starting, or feeling too rusty? Identify it so you can deal with it.

• Would a mentor or study group help?

  Learning alone is great, but having someone to cheer you on, or at least guilt you into sticking with it, can work wonders. Would a group or a mentor help keep you accountable?

• How can I squeeze learning into my schedule?

  Can you listen to an audiobook on your commute, or read while waiting in line for coffee? Even 15 minutes a day adds up. Think of it like compound interest, but for your brain.

• What's my big picture learning goal?

  Long-term, where do you want all this learning to take you? Whether it’s changing careers, starting a side hustle, or just impressing friends with your random trivia, knowing the destination helps.

Step 3: Create an action plan

Now for the fun part: taking action! Here’s how to turn those good intentions into regular learning habits.

• Short-term (Next 1-3 months)

  • Set a learning goal: Pick a short-term project like finishing that online course or reading two books about a topic you’re curious about.

  • Schedule study time: Block off specific times for learning each week. Pencil it in (or type it in), and treat it like a meeting, because let’s face it, your brain deserves a time slot, too.

  • Join a community: Find an online group or forum full of people learning the same stuff as you. They’re likely just as nerdy about it, and you’ll feel more motivated.

• Mid-term (Next 6 months)

  • Enroll in a course: Go for something structured, an online workshop, a class at the community college, or even just a deep-dive YouTube series. Structure keeps things real.

  • Apply what you’re learning: Put those new skills to work! Take photos if you’re learning photography, write blog posts if you’re learning marketing. Doing is the best way to learn.

  • Track your progress: Keep a journal or app log to see how far you’ve come. Trust me, those little milestones are a huge motivator.

• Long-term (Next year and beyond)

  • Go for something advanced: Push your limits. Maybe it’s a certification, a big creative project, or finally tackling calculus (yes, you can).

  • Teach what you know: One of the best ways to learn is to teach. Share your knowledge in a blog, a YouTube video, or even in a friend group setting. You’ll learn a ton just from explaining it.

  • Make learning a lifestyle: Keep a running list of topics you want to explore and dive into them regularly. Make it a habit, just like checking your phone (except less doom-scrolling, more brain-boosting).

• Click here to see an example

  Example action plan for education

  Here’s an example of how someone might put this guide into action:

  Current situation: You’re interested in digital marketing to grow your career but also have a secret wish to learn to bake really fancy sourdough bread.

  Reflection:

  • You notice your motivation to learn marketing wanes without structure.

  • You also want to bake but keep thinking it’s too time-consuming.

  Action plan:

  • Short-term: Start an online digital marketing course (30 minutes, twice a week). Block off Sunday afternoons for baking—one loaf a week!

  • Mid-term: Sign up for a local marketing workshop and bake a different type of bread every month. Track progress in a learning journal—because you know, sourdough takes practice.

  • Long-term: Aim to get a marketing certification within the year. Host a baking night with friends to share what you’ve learned (and to justify the endless flour bags in your pantry).

Step 4: Schedule regular check-ins

Check-ins help make sure that this learning journey doesn’t fall apart after week two. Here’s how to stay consistent.

Monthly progress review: At the end of each month, look back at what you’ve learned. Were you consistent? Did you love it, or did it feel like pulling teeth? Adjust accordingly.

Get a learning buddy: Accountability works. Find a friend who’s also learning (even if it’s not the same topic) and check in with each other. Share your wins (and your fails) because learning’s better together.

Reward yourself: Completed a course? Celebrate! Get yourself a treat, pat your back, or do a happy dance. It sounds silly, but rewards work wonders for motivation.

Reassess the why: Every few months, ask yourself if what you’re learning still aligns with your goals. If it doesn’t, pivot. Learning should be fun and fulfilling, not another chore on the list.