Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of being a constant learner, embracing the discomfort of being laughed at, and the necessity of facing failures to achieve mastery in any field.

Abstract

The article "How to Become a Constant Learner on a Daily Basis" delves into the mindset and habits necessary for continuous personal growth. It suggests that extraordinary individuals are characterized by their commitment to lifelong learning, which differentiates them from those who resist new ideas and perspectives. The author highlights the benefits of challenging oneself intellectually, staying physically active, and being socially engaged to enhance cognitive skills. Overcoming the fear of ridicule and criticism is presented as a prerequisite for self-improvement, with the understanding that societal norms often lead to discomfort towards those who strive to be different. The article also discusses the value of embracing failure as a teacher rather than an obstacle and encourages readers to be mindful of how they spend their free time, as it shapes their identity and values. The author advocates for a growth mindset, rejecting the comfort of the status quo, and committing to daily learning as the path to greatness.

Opinions

The author believes that being mocked or criticized is a sign that one is on the right track to personal growth and differentiation from the norm.
Successful entrepreneurs share the common trait of being constant learners, which is evident in their communication and listening skills.
Learning something new every day is priceless and can lead to significant personal achievements.
People often feel uncomfortable when others try to learn and grow, leading to ridicule or ostracism.
The fear of failure should not deter one from trying new things; instead, failure should be seen as a necessary step towards mastery.
The author asserts that one's free time activities are indicative of their character and priorities, emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful and enriching pursuits.
A commitment to lifelong learning requires humility and the willingness to set aside one's ego, which is often the biggest barrier to personal development.
The article suggests that true mastery comes from repeated failure and the persistence to overcome limitations.
The author encourages readers to adopt a student's mindset, always open to new knowledge and experiences, to achieve greatness in any aspect of life.

How to Become a Constant Learner on a Daily Basis

Be ready that people are going to laugh at you.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” ― Albert Einstein

I wonder what the difference between ordinary and extraordinary people is? Are they have any superpower that differentiates them from others?

When I started to read books about successful entrepreneurs, I realized all of them have something in common. They are constant learners. In their interviews or articles, you realize how they talk, the way they listen, they have something different.

It is a coincidence that ordinary people refuse to learn, listen, and if someone has a different viewpoint, they ignore or build a fence. Most people don't have the humility to understand that they can learn something new every day.

The benefits of learning something new is priceless. Studies show that challenging your brain, staying physically active, and being socially engaged may sharpen our thinking skills. If you decide to improve yourself and have the willpower to learn something new every day, you will surprise by what great things you can achieve.

When I first start to ingrain the idea to learn something new every day, and I shared it with my friends, some of them made fun of me.

Some people feel uncomfortable when a friend is trying to learn something. Why? People like to be similar to each other. Anyone who tries to make a difference is not well received.

Let’s dive in.

Be Ready That People Are Going to Laugh At You

“If people are making fun of you then you’re probably doing something right.” — Amy Lee

Most of us tend to be attracted to people who are similar to us. Studies showed we tend to choose people who held similar attitudes. When we see someone trying something different, we feel uncomfortable and try to avoid or make fun of them. That is a common behavior in our society. Situations like these are common when you decide to start something new:

They start blaming if something is not going well.
Or complaining about any reason.
Making fun and criticizing is a way to spend time.

Most people don’t want to move from their comfort zone. They don’t have the courage and confidence to try something new. Hence they go for the easy way.

If you want to improve, you need to be OK, getting laughed at. First, they laugh at you. Then, they criticize you. Simply telling someone that one day, you’re going to be tremendous. It is a good way that keeps you moving every day.

So, why not do that? You can openly tell someone about the big goals you want to achieve. In that way, you have the responsibility and are compromised to take action about it. Even in times when you don't feel like it.

The Simple Recipe to Become a Master of Anything

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” — Denis Waitley

There is so much advice in the market that tends to teach us how to do better. The answer is simple. Sometimes we need to hear as many times as possible to assimilate in our brains that simple truth.

I spent about ten consecutive years failing at this one. Back in time, I was terrified to talk to people. I always avoid to meet them. When I used to see groups, I was the first one who wanted to go home. I used to enjoy time alone but too much. I didn’t want to feel stupid in front of others. The fact to get validation for others made me vomit. Did I wonder why?

My parents took me to several psychologists to analyze my behaviors, and I refused all of them. With time I started to change, being more confident and curious about learning. I realized that there is only one way to overcome your limitations. Facing them and fail as many times as you can to get better and overcome those fears.

The simple formula is failing thousands of times. And as younger you are, it is incredibly better.

Tell Me How You Spend Your Free Time, and I’ll Tell You Who You Are

“Free time was the most precious time, when you should be doing what you loved, or at least slowing down enough to remember what made your life worthwhile and happy.”― Amy Tan

This is rule number one in everything you do; some people think that entertainment means consuming nothing that makes you think. But the truth is that you are what you consume every day. And most important in your free time.

You can wonder, what do you do in your free hours:

Are you watching movies or documentaries?
Are you go for a walk and reflect or play video games every day?
Are you going for a run, or you prefer to grab a beer in the closest bar?
Are you scrolling your phone to watch other people's life or reading a book to learn something new?

Tell me how you spend your free time, and I’ll tell you who you are.

Most People Will Never Become a Student

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” — Zig Ziglar

If you don't understand that there are no shortcuts to be great, you are not ready to be a constant learner. And if you let your ego drives your life and the way you are, this post isn't for you.

You can still be doing good without learning something new. But if you want to be great is a different story.

Anyone great at something spent a long time becoming great at it.

Growth is hard. Constantly learning and developing yourself can be boring and tedious. Most people don’t stick with it, so they never become great at anything. They are allergic to change; the fear is bigger than the willpower for greatness.

I was almost all my life in that comfort zone; everything was good, I had two professions, and when someone wants to talk about something out of my topics, I used to refuse right away. My closed-minded and ego used to talk for me. The truth is i was trying to protect myself to not be hurt by the uncertainty. As Socrates states:

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and I am no quite sure that I know that.”

When you ingrain that in your mind and make a habit of learning every day, you will start to see the world from a different perspective. If a great philosopher recognized that showing humility in each word. I wonder, Why not us?

We all have room left to improve in each area of life. It could be spiritually, well-being, career, financially, health, or relationship. Our ego is the main reason people refuse to learn. It tries to keep us in our box. If you are ok with that, it is fine.

If you are not, you can start with tiny steps. Changing those habits which keep you in that laziness and move on. Let’s be honest; we, deep inside, know what behaviors we have to change.

Switching that closed for a growth mindset and decide to learn something new every day. Keep in mind putting your ego on the side, and with humility close to you, you can be a constant learner forever.

If you want more stories like this or different topics, let me know here!

Godofredo Rojas is a writer, chef, and constant learner from Peru. He studied in Le Cordon Bleu in Lima, Peru. He moved to New York in March 2011. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter.