Learning Beyond a Book
Reading yields growth. Through the pages of a book, you expand your knowledge, gain exposure to worlds and experiences that diversify your perspective, challenge yourself with critical thinking, and boost your vocabulary.
As someone who loves to read, I also know reading isn’t the only way to build skills. And, sometimes reading can be limiting. Gaining real-life experiences or interactive problem-solving activities may be better choices at times than pages.
Want to take your learning beyond a book? Here are some activity options to pick up.
Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks
Audio content provides a way to learn while multitasking. If you’re completing a fairly mundane task such as cooking, exercising, or driving, give a podcast or audiobook a listen at the same time. There’s a self-help book or personal development podcast on many niche topics. Find something you want to grow in and choose a certain activity as your audio learning time. For example: Every Tuesday and Thursday I’ll listen to my favorite business podcast while folding laundry.
Watch Videos to Teach Yourself a New Skill
Hearing and seeing someone show you how to perform a certain skill can accelerate your adaptation. For example, learning how to crochet or play chords on a guitar is easier learned through seeing and hearing. Watch a YouTube video or tutorial on a learning platform and practice the skill alongside your virtual teacher.
Play Board Games and Card Games
Games, especially strategy games, can boost observation skills, memory, and imagination. Playing games with others enhances collaboration and provides fun social interaction as well. However, if you’re unable to find someone to play with, find a strategy game that has an app and play the game on your phone.
Solve a Puzzle Book
Similar to board games and card games, puzzle books lean into cognitive skills. Pick up a puzzle book such as a crossword puzzle book, Sudoku book, or trivia book. For a variety puzzle book to get you started, check out this large-print variety puzzle book.
Find a Mentor
Learn from others who have lived through different experiences than you. Ask someone you look up to for informal mentorship meetings. Grab coffee or a meal together and ask questions about areas of their life you admire. If it’s a professional mentorship, use this list of 25 coffee chat networking questions to get started. Take note of wisdom shared from another’s experiences.
Try Something Outside Your Comfort Zone
Doing an activity that stretches you helps you learn new things about yourself. Don’t feel pressured to continue the new-to-you-activity but be open to surprises. Just do something that takes you outside of your comfort zone, then have some time for reflection. For example: Never been a fan of dancing? Take a dance class. Afterward, spend some time thinking about your experience. Were you overthinking the steps? Is this something you do in other areas of life? Unpack your thoughts. You learn about yourself when you do things outside your comfort zone, and you form new knowledge of in general. The best way to have a conversation about salsa dancing is to go salsa dancing, not read about it in a book.
Take a Field Trip of Sorts
Maybe you’re out of school, but you can still go on a field trip. Find museums, workshops, or cultural experiences happening near you and take a trip. If you have a friend to go with you, talk about what you learn at the location or event.
Learning doesn’t just take place in the pages of a book. We learn from other people, experiences, play, and thoughtful listening as well. Keep reading, yes! In fact, check out these 10 strategies to read more effectively. But, the number of books you read each year isn’t the sole reflector of how much you’re learning. Open up to other methods of learning as well.
*this article contains affiliate links that the author earns a commission from