As someone who finds the term lifelong learner to be a compliment, I wonder why that term doesn’t apply to all. What makes some people want to stop or at least slow down at some point to learning anything new? We all probably know people who get busy with family and relationships, and just don’t know a whole lot about anything outside of their seemingly small realm. Maybe it’s because learning new things requires a level of work and effort.
In order to comprehend and be able to retain new knowledge, there needs to be a recognition and acknowledgment of what you may already know, and what you are obtaining for the first time. This part of learning takes somewhat of a degree of humility.
At some point in our lives, our learning patterns change. We may stop actively learning, and according to Matthew D. Lieberman Ph.D., “…we move from being learners to being knowers.” He also states that becoming a “knower” often will interfere with becoming a “learner.” As we advance in our careers and have decades of experience with our work, people rely on our expertise. As mentioned earlier, a degree of humility is needed in order to continue learning. If a leader begins posing questions in front of employees, it may reveal a lack of new knowledge or understanding in an area. This may be perceived with weakness, which would make a leader less likely to put themselves in a vulnerable position like that. This often means that the leadership identity will have to be gently pushed aside to become a learner again.
It’s tough to let others know that you don’t know everything they think you already know. But the good news, to keep this all in perspective, is that most people don’t even notice. People around you aren’t paying as close of attention to you as you think they are. There is actually a term for this. It’s called the spotlight effect. This is studied phenomenon that means that most people are more self-absorbed than you think. Those around you are normally thinking about themselves and what others think of them a lot more of the time than about what YOU are doing.
So, as you learn, practice humility. Relax. You are not being watched under the microscope that you think you are. You are most likely your toughest critic. You’re never going to know everything even if you’re considered an expert. You will be a lifelong learner just like the motivated minority of others who carry their curiosity and love of learning throughout their whole lives. What a vibrant way to live!