While school is a great place to flex your creative muscles and be exposed to new concepts, it’s not the only place where you can learn and grow. Most professionals would agree that your education doesn’t stop after you walk across that graduation stage. Continuing to find opportunities to learn and expand your mind throughout your career is incredibly necessary for professional growth and success.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, or simply looking to learn something new, here are some tips and resources to help you get started.

1. Open your mind

 When I say open your mind, I don’t mean through a psychedelic experience but rather by changing your perspective on life and whatever it has to offer. Many of us tend to find a routine that works for us and stick with it. However, this is the comfort zone and staying in it very rarely leads to anything amazing or game-changing. Be open to trying new classes, hobbies or ways of thinking – it can help you better cope with challenges, especially as an entrepreneur. For example, you could start taking a yoga class to better manage your stress. 

2. Stay up-to-date with current news

When you own your own business, staying on top of current events is critical. It’s one of the best ways to understand how your competitors are doing in the market— as well as understand how new legislation may affect your business. You can stay on top by subscribing to newsletters that will keep you informed, without taking too much time out of your busy day. Examples of this could be theSkimm, Pressed News or Finimize, which are all newsletters that come to your email mailbox. As you stay in tune with how other businesses are doing, you can take note of their major mistakes, while making sure you avoid them in your own business.   

3. Download learning apps

We can all admit to using certain distracting apps that take up too much of our time. Instead of wasting your brain cells on silly games, consider trying apps that can add to your bank of knowledge. For example, Audible is an app created by Amazon where users pay a monthly subscription fee to listen to audio books. The app has a huge content library, is very easy to use and can be easily put on while driving or during a workout. Reading is such an obvious way to continuously learn but most of us don’t have the time to sit down with a physical book, this app is a great substitute. Another great app for learning would be the TEDx app, which gives users access to hundreds of TED Talks at their fingertips. Have too many apps? Click here for a great playlist of TEDx Talks.

With the constant pressures of day-to-day tasks and staying innovative, being an entrepreneur can be stressful and there are endless ways you can continue to learn. Inspirations and lessons can come from anywhere, so keep your mind open and never stop learning.

Written by: Sara Pivato, Social Media and Content Coordinator, Futurpreneur Canada

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