Needing to Learn vs. Wanting to Learn

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What’s top of mind: Needing to Learn VS Wanting to Learn

“Start with Why,” Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk resonated with tens of millions of viewers and put his thought leadership on LinkedIn Feeds everywhere. It turns out, why we do something can influence our endgame. But we don’t always stop to think about it! So let’s talk about why we’d choose to learn something new.?

Generally, there are two reasons we spend our precious time and attention on learning.?

The first reason is for Instrumental Learning. In this case, we learn something in order to achieve something else. In other words, we need to. There's external motivation (or a promise of some outside reward). For example:

• I need to learn SAP Materials Management so I’ll be qualified to get a job as a purchaser at a prestigious company that uses SAP.?
• I need to learn to play guitar so potential mates will find me attractive.?

The second reason is for Intrinsic Learning. In this case, we learn for the pure thrill of learning. There’s no other outcome we’re trying to achieve. We’re internally motivated. We want to. Like:

• I want to learn guitar because I really enjoy making music.?
• I want to learn drawing because I find the process challenging and fulfilling.?

Which is better?

Research has shown we achieve better outcomes when we learn something because we want to, not because we need to.?Whereas external rewards can actually stunt creativity, Intrinsic Learning is associated with deeper processing and the fostering of creativity.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy! Heck, most people take my courses because they need to be able to do their jobs better. When I teach at companies my classes are required. And even I choose to learn things I think will advance my career or help me make more money. But, at the end of the day, these types of learning don’t light me up in nearly the same way.

Yes, but:?

What starts as Instrumental Learning can transform into Intrinsic Learning. A student who’s forced to take French classes in order to get their diploma can discover they absolutely love learning about new languages and different cultures—and this becomes its own reward.

My recommendation to you (and myself) is to spend some time learning about something you really enjoy. Just for the fun of it!?

What I’m learning right now:

On the Intrinsic Learning front, I took my first Tai Chi class.?

I’ve been interested in it for a long time, and the opportunity for an in-person session finally presented itself. While Tai Chi offers many benefits—from better posture to better energy flow—I wanted to try it mostly because I was curious about it! And, as luck would have it, I really enjoyed how I felt afterward. So much that I plan to keep practicing.?

What’s new with SAP:

SAP is acquiring LeanIX, a German-based Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) SaaS provider, to enhance its enterprise architecture offerings and AI-enabled process optimization. While the move is a strategic play for SAP to beef up their generative AI capabilities, questions remain about the integration of LeanIX with SAP's existing tools.

Why’d they do it??

• LeanIX is an EAM software that should help companies with their S/4HANA upgrades and migrations.?
• The acquisition could let companies have AI enabled process optimization which would save time and money.

?Yes, but:?

Is this actually going to be a big deal??

I think this quote from Jon Reed says what most of us are thinking. "The problem is that we're still trying to understand exactly how generative AI will play out in different areas and how useful it's going to be. But this does add to SAPs overall narrative around the scope of their generative AI offerings."?

Stay tuned!?

What I’m reading right now:

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

This book has been on my reading list for a while. It’s huge. And complex. And there’s a ton of endnotes. I’m only at the beginning, but I’m enjoying it so far. I just have the sneaking suspicion that I’m missing a ton of nuance as I read. Anyone here read it? I’d love a little external motivation to keep going!?

Looking forward,?

JV