Institute for Organization Management - A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

December 11, 2013

Four Ways to Never Stop Feeding Your Brain

Merriam-Webster defines learning as:

  1. The act or experience of one that learns.
  2. Knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study.
  3. Modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning).

When we were little, that meant counting to ten or reciting the alphabet. As we aged, it turned into having group discussions, taking tests, and defending a thesis. Now as adults, learning comes in many different shapes and forms, and usually with the option of going at our own pace. No matter the format, I think we can all agree that learning is a continuous process that should keep on going.

Listed below are four adult learning processes that I value.

Participating in continuing education. This is probably the most obvious of the bunch, but not everyone chooses to engage. Whether it is through in-person trainings, webinars, obtaining credentials, or completion of certificate programs, continuing education serves as a fantastic way to develop your skills and keep up to date with what’s going on in your industry.

Reading. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I get to read on my commute to and from work. Whether it’s for work or for pleasure, reading grants you the ability to let your mind soar and create new ideas. In addition, it expands your vocabulary and challenges your brain.

Interacting with humans. Remember the days before email and social media? I completely understand and agree with adapting and changing with the times, but in-person human interaction is, in my opinion, a way of learning that can never be replaced. I’m not referring to formal meetings and trainings, but rather normal, everyday conversations with co-workers, family, and friends.

Experiencing life. Take that once in a lifetime vacation, run a marathon (or in my case, a 5k), take photography lessons, or go see the play you’ve been dying to see. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about yourself and about life just by experiencing it.

Every individual is different, so what works for one person might not work for someone else. The important thing is that the learning never stops.

 

Avatar photo
Karyn K. MacRae, IOM, CAE, CMP
Director, Institute for Organization Management
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Karyn MacRae has been with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management team since June of 2006. She currently works with Institute’s National Board of Trustees, five Boards of Regents, and Class Advisor volunteer groups, in addition to working on program logistics. Karyn received her Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality and tourism management from James Madison University in 2006. She is a 2010 graduate of Institute for Organization Management and received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in 2011 and her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2014.

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