Learn and grow

Some recent experiences and conversations of late have brought into focus some basic ideals through which I approach life. I pride myself on being (or trying really hard to be) open to messages that are provided to me. I believe there is so much helpful information provided to us each day if only we will be open and listen to it. Using this idea, I strive to be a lifelong learner.

I take actions professionally and personally that I believe facilitate learning. Examples include:

- Quickly reviewing news stories daily. I look at stories from global items to local items and where possible seek different viewpoints (CNN and Fox News). I look at all headlines, not limited to the ones that are of personal interest.

- I review box scores and have a general idea on the outcome of most major sporting events.

- I use my twitter account as a news feed for some personal interests including local business, Hawkeye sports, and mountaineering.

- I read books on a variety of topics.

- I leverage my various "research" pipelines to interact with a wide variety of people through volunteer, community, social and professional networks to seek additional information. In this respect, I benefit greatly from the incredible diversity that a large public institution like the University of Iowa provides.

- I actively seek out discussions with "experts". It is amazing how open people are to sharing their expertise and giving you time if you just ask them for it. There is no faster way to learn about something than to shut up and listen to an expert, and they typically love to talk about their expertise. Expert conversations have led to fulfilling learning opportunities for me with surgeons, coaches, mountaineers, entrepreneurs, writers, theologians, and more.

One way to enhance my prolonged mission of self education is through experiences. David Gould, an Obermann Public Scholar professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, was one such expert who was gracious to share his time with me and our leadership team. David is currently the Director of Imagination at the Downtown Project, a community build project in Las Vegas. He provides experiential learning opportunities in a new and unique way combining his teaching and community building interests. See the article here. The crux is combining expertise and experience to enrich learning. I believe this is a really fantastic opportunity for college students.

Expanding on this experiential learning concept is one reason that I, to the chagrin of my lovely wife, am constantly creating new experiences through adventures. Last year Kilimanjaro, this year Ironman and a multiday mountain bike trip, next year kayaking the Mississippi or some other adventure. These experiences afford me learning opportunities about myself (physical and mental), people & community & people, nature, training & discipline, and technical adventure skills. What an incredibly varied learning opportunity!

Lastly and more recently I'm getting re-training opportunities through my children. Being able to experience their learning with them is quite fulfilling. They are getting involved in swimming, soccer, tee ball, and gymnastics. They are approaching formal schooling age and are already absorbing all their preschool experience provides. They explore around our house asking questions about EVERYTHING! They are devouring Sunday school learning about God and faith. I get to go along with them, answering some questions, seeking answers with them at times, and gleefully referring them to someone else who can help them and getting to hear what they found out. Children are a unique opportunity to learn again.

I'm hopeful that neither my appetite nor my opportunities for varied learning slow down over time. Being a lifelong learner is fulfilling to me. I'm hopeful to pass this skill and interest to my children and that they enjoy and benefit as much as I have. I'm hopeful others will consider this idea and try to find a new and different learning opportunity in their lives.