‘Have a Go’ Month – Learn to Learn

Louise McGinty | September 21 2022

2 min read

September is the Festival of Learning’s ‘Have a Go Month’, an initiative that highlights the benefits of lifelong learning and inspires people to ‘have a go’ and try something new.

Throughout the month, organisations and learning providers are encouraged to offer free activities such as taster sessions, online courses, talks, lectures, open days and more.

Research has shown that lifelong learning can help improve and maintain our well-being. It can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose, and foster connections with others. People engaged in learning report feeling better about themselves, with a greater ability to cope with stress as well as increased feelings of self-confidence, hope and purpose.

Some scientists think that the necessity of setting goals and working towards them when learning something new plays an important role in how learning influences our well-being. Setting targets and hitting them can create positive feelings of accomplishment and achievement that can motivate us to do more.

Here at Mind Of My Own, knowing the positive impact it can have on well-being and mindfulness, lifelong learning is thoroughly encouraged.

Learning is not just academic – it can be creative or physical! There are myriad ways to bring learning into your life. Mind Of My Own encourages ‘Job Of My Own’ allowing flexibility, remote working and a focus on well-being. This has encouraged many of our team to take up new learning including: surfing, a language, cross stitch, the bass guitar, improvements and DIY, yoga, patience and how care for new pets (alongside small children!)

Having such a diverse team at Mind Of My Own – social care professionals, educators, sales and account management experts and digital experts – means we can pull on one another’s knowledge and experience, enabling us to learn from one another internally. Is this something that you have considered – using the strengths within your team before looking to external trainers? Knowing the strengths and personality types within your team can strengthen the working and personal relationships between your team members.

Remember, while learning a new skill may be challenging at times, particularly at the beginning, take a compassionate approach. You don’t have to do it perfectly; just be open, receptive and enjoy it! (Piedmont.org)

Starting today- what will you learn? Big or small, for work or play – reap the benefits for yourself.

Curious to know more about our work in tne education sector, click here!