Lifelong learning is essential for both personal and professional success. As educators, we often prioritize our students’ learning over our own. However, your educational growth matters just as much. Whether you’re deepening your understanding of pedagogy, exploring a new subject area, or simply feeding your intellectual curiosity, these five steps can help you rekindle the joy of learning for yourself.
Step 1: Identify Learning Goals. Decide what knowledge or skills you want to acquire.
Step 2: Create a Learning Plan. Structure your study time and choose resources that fit your learning style.
Step 3: Use Multiple Learning Methods. Experiment with books, courses, podcasts, and hands-on practice.
Step 4: Apply What You Learn. Reinforce new knowledge by teaching others or using it in real-life situations.
Step 5: Stay Curious. Keep an open mind and continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge.
Let’s dive into what each step could look like in your life…
Step 1: Identify Learning Goals.
Decide what knowledge or skills you want to acquire. Now a lot of people hesitate to claim their learning space outside of what’s “required.” Teachers, especially, tend to stick to PD hours or mandated trainings. Usually, you can avoid getting boxed into that mindset by giving yourself permission to pursue knowledge for its own sake.
For example, I have learning goals that extend beyond education—like improving my financial literacy and studying the cultural history of places I want to travel to. One of my SMART goals is to complete two non-fiction books outside of my teaching field every quarter. You get to decide what qualifies as “educational growth” for you. It could be academic, practical, or even spiritual.
Step 2: Create a Learning Plan.
Structure your study time and choose resources that fit your learning style. Now a lot of people struggle to stay consistent without a plan. Teachers are used to lesson planning for others—but what about for yourself? Usually, you can avoid procrastination by creating a personal learning roadmap that fits your lifestyle.
For example, I blocked off one hour each Saturday morning to focus on my “Learning and Evolution Time.” I keep a digital list of resources like TED Talks, online courses, and articles I want to explore. My learning plan isn’t rigid, but it gives me structure. Think of it as your personalized syllabus for becoming who you're meant to be.
Step 3: Use Multiple Learning Methods.
Experiment with books, courses, podcasts, and hands-on practice. Now a lot of people stick to one method of learning—usually reading—and then feel frustrated if it doesn’t click. Teachers know that every student learns differently. The same applies to you. Usually, you can avoid boredom or burnout by diversifying how you take in and retain information.
For example, I’ve mixed traditional book reading with listening to podcasts during my commute and using short video lessons from online platforms during my lunch breaks. I’ve also tried hands-on applications—like setting up a mock budget after learning new financial strategies. Mixing methods keeps things interesting and boosts retention.
Step 4: Apply What You Learn.
Reinforce new knowledge by teaching others or using it in real-life situations. Now a lot of people gather information but don’t take the next step of integration. Teachers already know this: the best way to learn something is to teach it. Usually, you can avoid surface-level learning by putting your new knowledge into practice.
For example, after I learned about restorative justice practices, I decided to introduce a modified circle discussion into my classroom routines. It wasn’t perfect at first, but it made the content feel real and relevant. Whether you’re sharing with colleagues, implementing new strategies, or reflecting in a journal, do something with what you learn.
Step 5: Stay Curious.
Keep an open mind and continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge. Now a lot of people stop learning once it’s no longer “required.” Teachers get so caught up in deadlines and benchmarks that curiosity starts to feel like a luxury. Usually, you can avoid this trap by remembering why you became an educator in the first place: the love of learning.
For example, I make space each month for a “wild card” learning activity—something I didn’t plan, but that sparked my interest unexpectedly. I once dove into a documentary on ancient philosophy that led me to journal about my personal ethics. Curiosity is what keeps your mind alive and your spirit agile. You don’t have to master everything—just stay open.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).