As with many couples who have been together for a long time, we have evolved a “language” that is all ours. Case in point: One of us manages to unravel a perplexing technical conundrum, and the other applauds in appreciation for that demonstration of “learning bird” behavior. I confess that there are many times when I’d rather not learn my way through an exasperating technical or mechanical challenge. It’s easier to fire off a quick text to a 30-something or reach out to a neighbor who thrives on such a challenge. And yet, every time I take the road marked “Easy!” I am aware that I miss out on an opportunity to learn an immediately beneficial skill.

Researchers have long referred to this willingness to learn as a “growth mindset,” one that encourages us to see a challenge as an opportunity to grow. That’s what kicked in for me one day when I successfully disassembled the vacuum cleaner to clear a clogged passage. Not being gifted or inclined mechanically, I was darn proud of myself for overcoming the “fixed mindset” that shies away from new learning experiences.  

Cultivate Your Growth Mindset

For those of us who have moved on to our post-work chapter, now is not the time to settle for a fixed mindset. Learning new things as we age is key to keeping our cognitive skills sharp, while our renewed sense of accomplishment and fulfillment contribute to our emotional health. When you strengthen your belief in your ability to learn, grow and adapt, you can enjoy this stage in the journey with greater self-confidence. Here’s how: 

Say “Yes” to New Experiences

People too often say, “I don’t know how to do that,” “that’s beyond me” or even “I’m too old for that.” That’s the fixed, stuck mindset talking. Imagine if you had lived your earlier years with a no-can-do attitude. How much would that have held you back from achieving your goals, respecting yourself and being happy with your life? So, why start now when so much of this post-work chapter is yours to define and embrace? Shift your “no” to an open-minded “yes” when a learning opportunity presents itself. 

Set Goals

Everyone has those “the vacuum cleaner is clogged, and I need to figure out how to fix it” moments. But, thankfully, many of our learning opportunities promise greater pleasure – like learning a new skill, trying a new hobby or pursuing a creative adventure. If you’ve embraced any of these, setting goals allows you to track your progress (growth) while providing you with opportunities to celebrate your mini successes along the way.

Balance Positivity with Compassion and a Sense of Humor

Being a learner, at any age, is often humbling. We fumble, stumble, pick ourselves up and give it another try. That process applies to being a learner at every age because it builds resilience and an I can do this attitude. Staying with the learning process requires maintaining a positive frame of mind and treating oneself with compassion – the same you’d extend to a friend who is dipping her toe in the water of a new learning experience. Couple that with a healthy sense of humor by laughing at your stumbles because laughter is its own medicine!

Accept and Adapt to Change Instead of Fighting It

Choosing to learn the basics of a new language, taking a class in a novel subject or signing up for a Tai chi class may be on your list of things you want to learn. But, life presents us with all manner of things we’d rather sidestep or have someone else handle when given a choice. The key here is to notice our fixed perspective and to shift it by reminding ourselves of this indisputable fact – we haven’t made it this far without accepting and adapting at every stage in our journey.

Here’s to you, to your growth mindset. Go for it, learning bird!