Disrupting the ‘hustle’ behind continuous learning

In the fast-paced world we find ourselves in, 'continuous learning' and 'continuous improvement' are terms we're encouraged to live by. They are meant to be positive and encouraging and motivate us to reach our highest self, but sometimes, these words can stir up feelings of an uphill battle—one where we're constantly racing against time, afraid of falling off the wagon.

But what if continuous learning wasn't about racing and pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion at all? What if it was about exploring, asking questions, and indulging our curiosity at our own pace during your everyday tasks?

In this article, we take a look at continuous learning in the workplace and what it can mean instead of the exhausting 24/7 hustle. It all starts with a mindset shift, specifically, a growth mindset.

A growth mindset... the gentle approach

A growth mindset is all about believing in your capacity to learn and grow. It doesn't call for pushing yourself to be harder, better, faster and stronger every day, but recognizing that learning is a journey, and abilities can be developed with time. It's about celebrating even the small victories and viewing failures as stepping stones to growth.

Then, we need to talk about finding time to learn in your already busy schedule.

Integrating learning into daily life

Rather than adding more and more to your plate, continuous learning is about incorporating an attitude of discovery into your everyday tasks. Sounds great but... how?

While handling a project, it could be taking a few extra minutes to research and understand an unfamiliar concept, instead of just glossing over it.

In team meetings, you could encourage open discussions, where every team member shares their perspectives, resulting in collective learning.

It might mean taking a monthly lunch break together with your colleagues to discuss different topics. For example, organizing 'lunch and learn' sessions where team members share interesting things they've learned, helping not just themselves but also their colleagues to grow.

And in your personal life, it could be something simple, like picking up a book from a genre you don’t typically go for.

Here, take a carrot for all that learning!

While most of us love learning new things, at work it’s a bit difficult to expect employees to learn new skills for their personal gain. Acknowledging and rewarding learning can significantly boost motivation, and this reward can come from both a personal and professional angle.

On a personal level, self-recognition is crucial. Perhaps you learned a new skill or reached a personal learning goal. Take a moment to acknowledge this accomplishment. It doesn't need to be a grand gesture—it could be as simple as taking a break to do something you love.

From a professional perspective, organizations can significantly foster learning by recognizing and rewarding their employees' efforts. This recognition could be a shout-out during a team meeting, a feature in a company newsletter, or even a token of appreciation, like a certificate, gift card, or an afternoon off. And of course, pay raises and promotions are a significant part of this, too.

This not only fuels individual motivation, but it also promotes a positive learning culture within the workplace, making learning a shared and celebrated journey. In such an environment, employees may be more encouraged to stay long-term.

Mapping out learning goals

Knowing what you want to learn and why it matters to you is like having a personal roadmap. As adults, our motivation levels spike when we see the reason behind our learning—maybe you're picking up a new language for an upcoming vacation, or learning a handy software tool to get your tasks done quicker.

On the work front, companies can help their teams navigate their learning paths. This may be through honest chats about where each person wants to grow professionally and what skills they might need to get there. This way, everyone is on the same page about what to learn and how it benefits both the individual and the team as a whole.

Creating a safe learning environment

By building a supportive environment, continuous learning becomes less overwhelming and more enriching. It serves as a catalyst for both personal and professional development. Think of an atmosphere where learning is encouraged, mistakes are accepted, and progress is applauded—that's the essence of a safe learning zone. It's about nurturing a space where curiosity is cherished and encouraged, and mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.

Employers can nurture a learning environment by establishing clear learning objectives, providing constructive feedback, rewarding learning efforts, and creating an atmosphere where employees feel safe to take the time and risks involved in learning something new.

E-learning courses are tools for continuous learning

Creating a workplace where learning is key can help your team do better and let your business thrive. That said, it's not all about stacking up more e-learning modules. Though we’re an e-learning company, we know that training modules are just one piece of the puzzle.

E-learning courses are helpful, but they're even more effective when they’re part of a supportive learning environment. Just having online trainings won't be the ultimate solution for a company. Such trainings need to be part of a broader system which includes encouraging employees to embark on a learning journey and apply what they've learned to real-life situations.

While Bitville’s customized e-learning courses can be a means of delivering some of that content, it requires a positive environment that emphasizes continuous learning to truly succeed.

Recognizing growth in every step

Wrapping up, making learning part of your daily life and work doesn’t mean piling on extra hours of study, or putting in a tremendous effort to develop a growth mindset. It’s about enjoying the journey and shifting your focus to the learning opportunities that are present in your everyday tasks.

When you’re part of a workplace that supports learning and you’ve got the right tools (like great Bitville e-learning modules), you can continue growing, both personally and as part of a team.

It’s not about continuously pushing for more, but about recognizing growth in every step you take.