Lifelong Learning

This week, I had the privilege of being a guest at a Lunch & Learn session for the MS Society. Together, we chose the topic: Lifelong Learning: How Personal and Professional Growth Enriches Our Lives. With the title set, my task was to ensure attendees found value in my session, and there started the challenge! But within the challenge, the answer presented itself: the first critical point in my Lifelong Learning journey was The Power of Reflection.

Early in my career, I was trained to work at a fast pace, to be the first to finish, to win, and to get things right the first time. The pressure to achieve these goals constantly was immense. In my twenties, perhaps I was more capable of meeting these demands because, upon reflection, I followed a process, had the energy and drive to persevere, and didn’t question my organisation’s leaders. I just did the job.

But the reality is there were many times I felt I couldn’t breathe. I felt overwhelmed, claustrophobic, unable to take a moment to stop and collect my thoughts. This led to stifled creativity and decision-making without proper consideration. Sometimes, these quick decisions actually caused lasting damage, not only professionally but also personally.

Nowadays, it's a different story. I make myself take a moment and not rush in. And that’s why I selected this picture, the scene really resonated with me. I took this while on a solo business trip in the US. I didn’t sit in this seat, but if I had been in this location longer, I most definitely would have sat here, contemplated, percolated ideas and thoughts, it is my ideal spot, a calm space, outdoors, and by water.

Today when a situation requires my attention, I know that by taking a minute it will help me respond more confidently and concisely. It leads to a more thoughtful approach, with clearer guidance or actions, rather than a rushed, knee-jerk reaction. While there's a time and place for quick decision-making, it's not necessary every minute of the day.

During the rest of the Lunch & Learn session, we discussed the power of building trusted peer networks, taking care of those who matter, reverse mentoring, and how we can continually learn outside the traditional study methods. However, these topics can be covered in future articles. For now, I encourage anyone who feels overwhelmed with thoughts and pressure to act, take a minute, breathe, go for a walk, sit, and reflect. It might just help.