How to learn something new every day: 7 tips for a curious mind
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Discover 7 ways to learn something new every day. Plus, how to absorb new information daily to cultivate a curious mind.
Remember the exhilaration of your very first bike ride? The wind in your hair, the surge of pride as you balanced on two wheels—it was pure magic.
That rush that comes with mastering something new shouldn’t be reserved for childhood. Why should learning stop just because we’re adults? Picking up new skills doesn’t just make life more interesting—it boosts happiness, sharpens your mind, and gives your self-confidence a serious lift.
We get it — it can feel impossible to prioritize growth when you’re juggling family obligations, a packed work schedule, and personal responsibilities, but continuous exploration is even more essential amid the chaos of everyday life. Learning new skills can give you a professional edge, help you stay resilient in the face of life’s challenges and lead you to new ways to express your creativity.
Why it’s important to be a lifelong learner
Lifelong learning can help you feel more fulfilled and connected to the world around you. It opens doors to new perspectives, allows you to engage with different ideas and experiences and can make your life richer and more vibrant.
Keeps your brain active: Think of your brain as a muscle. Learning new things is stimulating, and may help keep it active and healthy. Challenging your mind with new information can contribute to creating new neural pathways, which may improve your cognitive function, memory, and mental sharpness.
Boosts your career: Brushing up on your skills can help you professionally. Managers often value employees who are proactive in their professional development, so it may open up new opportunities at work.
Enhances problem-solving skills: Learning new things can improve your critical thinking skills. This can help you analyze situations, think creatively, and come up with solutions at work and at home.
Increases confidence: As you learn and master new things, you’ll likely feel more capable. New skills can give your self-esteem a boost as you have more to offer out in the world.
Makes life more enjoyable: Learning new things can add excitement, variety, and fulfillment to your life. Whether it's starting a new hobby, exploring a new subject, or developing a new skill, lifelong learning might help keep you engaged and curious.
Promotes adaptability: Lifelong learners are often more flexible and open to change. You might be better prepared to navigate new situations and embrace new opportunities.
Improves mental health: Continuous learning may help reduce stress, increase your sense of purpose, and even help prevent cognitive decline as you age. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, contributing to your overall wellbeing.
Builds a growth mindset: Believing you can develop your abilities through hard work and dedication can encourage you to see challenges as opportunities for growth. This can help you persevere through difficulties to achieve your goals.
7 ways to learn new things every day
The idea of learning something new every day might feel overwhelming because, let’s face it, some days you’re barely keeping your head above water. But, if you’re keen to set daily learning goals, it can help to have some simple strategies in place. Explore one (or more) of our options below and see how it might fit into your schedule.
1. Brainstorm subjects you’re curious about
Create a list of things you’ve always wanted to know more about. Include any area that piques your interest — maybe history, science, arts, cooking, or sports. This can make it easier to decide where to focus your attention and helps to keep you excited.
💙 Learn from Jay Shetty how to Cultivate Curiosity around different areas that interest you.
2. Set your own learning goals
Try to learn one new thing each day, whether it’s a fact, a skill, or a concept. As you get into the habit, you can increase the size or complexity of your goals. For instance, if you’re interested in sailing you might not have the time to start taking sailing classes right away, but picking up a book about sailing can help get you started.
💙 Before you begin any new endeavor, getting clear about The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals can help you stay committed.
3. Schedule learning time into your calendar
Dedicate specific times for learning, such as a podcast during your daily commute, a learning app during your lunch break, a weekly evening class, or reading every night before bed. This can help learning become a regular part of your routine. Remember, even a few minutes a day can add up.
💙 Struggling to develop new habits and routines? Explore How to Turn Choice Into Routine with Jay Shetty.
4. Explore resources in your community
Mix up your learning materials to keep things interesting. Check out local lectures or workshops in your community. Your local library might also have resources for clubs or groups that could help increase your knowledge or boost your self-improvement.
5. Use technology in supportive ways
The internet is chock full of ways to learn. From reading articles to watching YouTube videos, or spending time on language apps or programs. You can even multitask by listening to a podcast or audiobook while you commute or do a household chore. Don’t forget to check in with your local community college and see if they offer online classes you can join to enhance your learning.
6. Try new hobbies
Take a cue from the list you made of subjects you’re curious about. Use it to help you choose a hobby that excites you and dive in to gain new skills and knowledge. Whether it's birdwatching, gardening, pottery, or sewing, hobbies can provide hands-on learning experiences.
💙 Learn about The Power of Hobbies from author Elizabeth Segran.
7. Travel and explore
Every time we go somewhere new, we learn new things so try to broaden your horizons. Travel to new places and explore different cultures, or visit local museums or cultural and historical sites for education and inspiration. Even traveling to a new part of town or your neighborhood can help inspire you.
💙 Need inspiration? Visit our Mindful Bucket list ideas blog for guidance on what to learn next that aligns with your life goals.
How to absorb new information daily: 8 tips for cultivating a curious mind
Learning how to pick up and retain new information, whether you’re actively learning or just going about your day, can help you cultivate curiosity as you move throughout your life.
1. Take notes for later
When your plate is full, it’s easy to forget new things you’ve learned so don’t be afraid to put pencil to paper. Try writing down key points of what you’ve learned to help you remember for later. You can actually deepen your understanding by putting lessons into your own words, or personal shorthand. Then you can revisit your notes regularly to help reinforce and retain the information.
2. Try active learning techniques
Learning is more than just observing and processing information. Try asking questions, summarizing information in your own words, or discussing your learnings with others. You can also teach someone else what you've learned, as this can help solidify your understanding. Even the next time you’re with friends, bring up what you’re learning and ask them if they can help quiz you. This way, you can test your knowledge in a fun setting.
3. Practice your new skills in daily life
If you're learning a new language, practice speaking it everyday. If you're discovering a new cooking technique, make a meal using your skills. Applying what you learn can help reinforce the information and make it more relevant.
4. Always ask questions
To stimulate curiosity, get in the habit of questioning everything you come across. Ask "why," "how," and "what if" questions to help you better understand the world around you.
💙 Learn how to ask better questions in this meditation about Skillful Questioning with Tamara Levitt.
5. Keep a learning journal or calendar
To track your progress and stay motivated, record your learning experiences and reflections. Write about what you learned, how you felt, and any questions that came up. Review your entries to help reinforce what you've learned. You can also use your journal to mark deadlines to keep yourself motivated.
6. Break out the flash cards
Try a technique called spaced repetition, where you review information at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention. Try putting key points on flash cards and then review them for five minutes at night, then review them for 10 minutes the next day, and maybe 15 the day after that.
7. Be patient with yourself
It might be an adjustment trying to learn something new daily, and it may not always feel fun or easy. That’s okay! Don’t force it if it starts to feel stressful. Take small steps and build up gradually.
💙 Being extra hard on yourself? Tune into Jay Shetty’s meditation on how to Be Patient, Not Passive.
8. Celebrate your achievements
Acknowledge your learning milestones, as recognizing your progress can boost your confidence and motivation. Make the learning journey enjoyable and fulfilling by rewarding yourself for completing learning goals or mastering new skills. Treat yourself to your favorite meal, take a night off, or go out dancing. Do whatever speaks to you!
💙 If you need help celebrating, let Mel Mah’s Daily Move session Let’s Celebrate get you going.
Learn something new every day FAQs
What are some simple habits to integrate daily learning into a busy schedule?
Taking small steps can help you bring daily learning into your busy schedule.
Set small, manageable goals, such as reading a few pages of a book or listening to a short podcast each day.
Use short breaks, like your commute, for learning.
Schedule dedicated learning time into your calendar, even if it’s just a few minutes every day.
Find a time that works best for you and stick to it.
Download educational apps that offer quick lessons or exercises that can be done on the go.
How can I find credible sources of information for learning?
It’s critical to find solid sources of information for your learning. Educational institutions, well-known experts, and verified websites are great places to start, as are educational platforms like Khan Academy or Coursera.
When you read articles or books, look up the authors’ credentials to ensure they have the right expertise. Check the publication date to ensure the information is up to date, and cross-reference information from different sources to make sure it’s accurate. Read peer-reviewed journals and publications, too — these can provide reliable, high-quality information.
What are some techniques to improve memory retention of new information?
There are lots of ways you can learn new things. Here are a few tricks to get you started.
Summarize the information in your own words: This can help you process and understand the material better.
Teach others what you’ve learned: This can help you clarify and organize your thoughts.
Regularly revisit your notes: Rereading can help reinforce your memory.
Use active learning: Ask questions and discuss the material with others.
Practice what you’ve learned in real-life situations: This can help improve your understanding, and makes the information more practical and memorable.
How does maintaining a curious mind benefit personal and professional growth?
Being curious can strengthen your relationships, boost your confidence, and give you a sense of purpose.
At work, a curious mind can drive innovation and problem-solving, which can open up new career opportunities. Employers usually appreciate people who are proactive about learning and adapting to new challenges.
Can learning new things daily help with mental health and cognitive function?
Learning new things each day can benefit your mental health and cognitive function. Continuous learning may help keep your brain active and stimulate new neural pathways, even as you age. This may help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
Finding new skills and knowledge can be fun and fulfilling, which can boost your self-esteem and help reduce stress. By making learning a daily habit, you might be able to enhance your overall wellbeing and mental health.
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