Rediscovering our inner child
The lost art of fearless learning.
We’re born learning machines. From those wobbly first steps to deciphering the baffling rules of grammar, childhood is a relentless acquisition of new skills. Then, somewhere along the line, the engine sputters. For some, it grinds to a complete halt. Why does this innate curiosity and courage to try new things often fade as we "grow up"?
I wouldn’t describe my daughter as the most adventurous person in the world. She definitely likes to assess the risks before trying anything out, and even then she’ll dip her toe in the water first - figuratively and literally. However, last September she started school and since then her bravery and her daring have increased tenfold.
Things she used to avoid, she now tackles without hesitation. Her confidence in interactions has grown, and her whole approach to trying new things is different. Part of this is definitely just growing up, being around older kids who can do more and make it seem less daunting. The structured learning environment at school also plays a role. But I think it's more than that. I believe the school has intentionally created a space where trying new things, being adventurous, is encouraged. And my daughter is clearly benefiting from that.
This got me thinking: somewhere in our journey to adulthood, we often forget a fundamental truth about learning. It's not solely the responsibility of the individual. Equally crucial is the role of the environment in nurturing that growth, in providing the scaffolding of support needed to dare to try.
So, how do we, as adults navigating the complexities of life and perhaps yearning for new horizons, recreate that environment of fearless learning? Whether you're guiding others or embarking on your own personal journey, the lessons from our school days offer surprisingly useful guidance:
Ditch the deep end: Embrace the power of small beginnings. Remember learning to read? We weren't thrown the complete works of Shakespeare on day one. It was phonics, simple words, gradual building blocks. The same principle applies now. Forget the pressure of overnight mastery. Sustainable growth comes from consistent, manageable steps.
Structure isn't stifling, it's your scaffold. School wasn't random exposure to subjects; it was a carefully constructed curriculum. Reading, writing, maths – each skill was broken down, built upon systematically. Create a plan that allows you to build on what you learn and gives you confidence as you progress.
The power of the buddy system: Don't go it alone. Think back to school – who didn't feel a little braver facing a new subject with a friend by their side? Yet, as adults, we often isolate our learning. We sign up for courses solo, tackle new skills in a vacuum. This is a missed opportunity. Find a learning partner. Share your goals, hold each other accountable, and celebrate small victories together. The journey is always richer, and the likelihood of success significantly higher, when shared.
Inject joy: Learning doesn't have to be a grind. My daughter's early education is all about play. But somewhere along the line, learning often morphs into dry lectures and repetitive exercises. We forget that the process of learning can be intrinsically rewarding, not just the outcome. Listen to engaging podcasts, find interactive resources, connect it to a passion. Learning should feel like exploration, not punishment.
Fail forward: Celebrate the stumbles. Remember wobbling precariously on your first bike ride? You probably fell. A lot. But the encouragement was always to get back on, to learn from the missteps. Each fall taught you about balance, about what not to do. Reframe failure as crucial feedback, not a final verdict. Embrace the stumbles as invaluable lessons that propel you closer to your goal. (And yes, it's perfectly okay to feel frustrated or even cry – just don't let those feelings become roadblocks.)
As we navigate the complexities of working life, let's consciously cultivate environments – both for ourselves and for those we support – that echo the nurturing spirit of those early learning years. Let's rediscover the fearless learner within, embrace the power of small steps, structured growth, shared journeys, joyful exploration, and the invaluable lessons hidden within our failures. Perhaps then, we can recapture that innate human ability to constantly evolve, to fearlessly reach for new horizons, just like a child on their first day of school.
Please excuse the horrible filming, but enjoy my daughters excellent example of fearless learning.