Let’s have a little fun. Imagine your birthday is around the corner, and this one’s big. You’re even sitting down with a reporter from a local media outlet, about to be interviewed! Celebrating your 100th birthday is kind of a big deal, you suppose.
The reporter asks: What’s the secret to making it to 100? What does it take to live a happy, fulfilling life?
Thinking back over your life, you realize you want your answer to be practical—something others can try if they want to. You’re way past worrying about impressing anyone or saying the “right” thing. So, what would you say?
Well, I’m not at 100 yet, but here’s what I know I’d say if anyone asked me then:
Always keep learning.
Here’s why I believe learning is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves at any age:
Keeps Your Mind Sharp and Engaged: Like the body, the mind needs exercise to stay healthy. Learning something new – a skill, a language, even a hobby – keeps your brain active, adaptable, and ready for anything.
Helps You Embrace Change Instead of Fearing It: Life constantly changes. But when you’re in the rhythm of learning, change feels less intimidating and more like an adventure.
Fosters Curiosity and Purpose: Learning keeps us curious, which in turn brings meaning. There’s always more to discover and get excited about, whether you’re 20 or 100.
Creates Connections with People of All Ages: New skills and topics bring us into contact with people of all ages, creating meaningful connections and friendships.
Builds Emotional Resilience and Flexibility: Every time you tackle something new, you build confidence and resilience. It reminds you that failure is just a step toward growth.
Adds Depth to Your Life’s Journey: Lifelong learning helps you see connections between experiences, adding richness and wisdom to your journey.
Encourages Self-Trust: Learning reassures us that we’re capable of growth and change, even as we age, helping us focus on possibilities.
It Makes You - and Life - More Interesting: I used to work with someone who could talk to anyone about anything. His secret? A life full of curiosity. He could connect with anyone because he’d been interested in so many things himself.
Makes Life More Fun: Let’s be honest—learning adds a spark to life. It turns routine into an adventure and brings pride and excitement that make life fun.
Imagine your 100-year-old self nodding along to each of these, thinking, “Yes, a life full of learning is a life full of possibility.” So, here’s to making each year count – by making each year a little brighter, a little richer, and a little more interesting through learning.
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