How to Learn Something New Every Day

How to Expand Your Knowledge Daily 

We often think of learning as something formal – a classroom, a textbook, a final exam. But the truth is, we're constantly picking up new information and skills, sometimes even without noticing! The easiest way to cook pasta, the layout of your local supermarket, your pet's favorite games...these are all things you've learned along the way. "We should be proud of how much knowledge we pick up just by living our lives," says Pooja Agarwal, a cognitive scientist who teaches at the Berklee College of Music. 

However, there's a key difference between simply remembering something and truly learning. Memorizing facts is one thing, but learning involves a deeper acquisition of knowledge or skills that comes through experience, explains Hadley Bergstrom, a psychological science professor at Vassar College. We might memorize a list of French words, but fully learning the French language is a different process. 

Learning actively changes our brains. The connections between neurons (cells that carry messages throughout the body) become stronger, and new connections are even formed. Through repeated practice of something, whether it's knitting, chess, or playing the piano, those pathways get reinforced. This is how learning happens, and it makes recalling those skills much easier over time. 

Lifelong Learning: Staying Sharp and Independent in a Changing World 

As we age and no longer have the structured educational settings of our childhood, it's still important to keep learning. Research shows that continued learning can help keep our minds sharp. It seems those who have attended college generally show better cognitive function later in life. "Generally speaking, picking up new knowledge and skills over a long period likely boosts your brain health as you get older," says Bergstrom. 

Technology is constantly changing, and learning new things helps us stay independent. Rachel Wu, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside points out that everyday tasks like online banking or using apps can remain within our reach if we're open to learning the skills we need. Otherwise, we risk falling behind as those around us embrace new ways of doing things. 

Learning has wonderful benefits, but it can seem daunting to try something completely new. How do we learn effectively? Is it going to be expensive? What if it turns out we're no good at it? Luckily, there are plenty of easy, low-cost ways to make learning part of your daily life – no tests or textbooks required! 

Think Beyond the Classroom 

Learning doesn't need a formal setting. We can expand our minds anywhere! Reading an interesting article online, watching a how-to video, or even picking up a beginner's guitar book are all valid ways to gain knowledge. Just be aware of the source of your information – make sure the people teaching you actually know what they're talking about! There are plenty who claim expertise online, but it's worth checking their qualifications first. 

Most of us have figured out our preferred learning styles by adulthood, says Wu. Did previous experiences show you that trial and error works well for you? Do you feel most confident about a topic after explaining it to someone else? Some people enjoy a slower pace with lots of practice, while others are energized by an instructor and a group of peers. 

Think about what motivates you, suggests Agarwal. Would you rather learn on your own, or push yourself with a formal class? Low-cost options are all around – perhaps your neighbor is an avid gardener and would love to trade their expertise for a lesson in Chinese cooking. If time is tight, you could even try learning alongside your kids as they pick up new skills, suggests Allyson Mackey, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Travel, especially to places with very different cultures, can be expensive, but it's another powerful way to expand your understanding. 

Challenge Yourself for Growth 

Once you settle into the rhythm of your daily life, it's easy to fall into comfortable patterns. Your brain knows exactly what to do and when – it's the perfect machine for your everyday tasks! But to keep learning, you need to shake things up, says Mackey. Enjoying what you're learning is great, but you need those moments of challenge to take your skills to the next level. Once you've got the basics of a guitar song down, move on to a more challenging piece or learn a complex chord variation. 

It's why researchers often compare learning to physical exercise. "What's important about working out is that you don't keep doing the same routine every day," explains Bergstrom. Similarly, consistently pushing yourself to learn a new skill (or take your existing ones further) may help keep your mind sharp, in contrast to something repetitive like a daily crossword puzzle. It always needs to feel a little bit difficult. 

One proven way to make sure you're progressing is by seeking feedback. A teacher can help with your French accent or point out the error in your algebra. Even with self-led learning, feedback is built in, says Wu. If you try your hand at beekeeping with the help of YouTube and wind up without any honey, it's a sign you need to troubleshoot!  

Make Use of What You Already Know 

"Even with trial and error, there's feedback from the environment, it's just a bit slower than with a teacher," she explains. The key, Wu emphasizes, is embracing mistakes and even moments of failure. These are valuable pieces of feedback that help you learn. Improvement comes as you adjust your approach based on what went wrong. "In general, when you make a mistake, it's an opportunity to change your behavior and improve," says Wu. 

As an adult, you have a wealth of past experiences to build on. Unlike a toddler learning their first words and basic concepts, you understand how sentences work and the idea of objects and actions. "Even trying to play the piano, someone already familiar with the violin is going to find it a bit easier," says Wu. You can translate your existing skills at least partially to new tasks. 

Of course, there will be moments of frustration as you realize your old skills don't always carry over. Violin knowledge might leave you a bit baffled by the two lines of notes when playing piano, for example. Wu encourages flexibility in these moments. Try not to be too hard on yourself when things that seemed easy before take effort as you adapt to a new pursuit. 

Get the Knowledge Out of Your Head 

Rather than cramming things into your brain, focus on bringing them back out, recommends Agarwal. This is known as retrieval practice: simply talking about or recalling what you learned goes a long way in ensuring it sticks with you. Think about that interesting book you finished, tell a friend about a funny podcast episode, or just reflect on what you made for dinner yesterday. An easy way to put this into practice is by making a habit of noting down (or telling someone!) one new thing you learned at the end of each day. "It takes almost no time and costs nothing at all, but massively boosts memory and overall learning," Agarwal says. Even if you feel a day hasn't taught you much, you likely picked up something: a smoother route to work, the best aisle to find olive oil at the store, or a clever hack for setting up a projector. 

Another powerful way to solidify new information is to teach it to someone else, explains Mackey. Organizing your thoughts into a form that makes sense to someone who knows nothing about the topic actually reinforces the knowledge in your own mind. 

"We often focus on getting information in, like watching instructional videos or taking a lecture-style class," notes Agarwal. "But the real magic of learning lies in getting information out!" 

Embrace Tiny Steps 

Learning isn't a race, it's more like a long-distance hike. Set yourself realistic goals, because you won't become a fluent French speaker in a month or paint like Michelangelo in a weekend workshop. If the idea of "learning jewelry making" feels too big, break it down into achievable steps: learn about metal types, how to use pliers, how to clean finished pieces, etc. "It's easy to get overwhelmed because we expect to learn entire skills at once," says Bergstrom. "But that's not how it works. We pick up bits and pieces, then put them together over time." 

You might have heard of the "10,000 hour rule" to become an expert. Remember, those hours can be spread out over weeks, months, or even years. A little bit each day is far better than intense bursts followed by burnout. While some skills (like learning how to type) come quickly, most things will be a gradual learning process – and that's perfectly fine. 

"We have this obsession with everything being fast," says Bergstrom. "But learning is slow. It just is. There's nothing that can speed it up." 

Set Yourself Up for Success 

Before you take that first step on your new learning journey, consider your needs. What kind of space does your new hobby require? Where can you realistically carve out time? And what will keep you coming back for more? 

If your dream is learning the guitar, but your instrument and music all live in a dusty corner, you'll be less tempted to practice. On the other hand, maybe you want to try embroidery – that's something you can easily have with you all the time, picking it up as you have a few minutes here and there. 

Some of us have more free time, others less. Be brutally honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically dedicate to your chosen skill. It might mean adjusting other things, like swapping social media scrolling for guitar practice. Even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes daily, those moments add up! 

There's also your learning style. Some people thrive in structured environments with deadlines, others do better flying by the seat of their pants. Understanding this about yourself will help shape your learning path. Are you the type to benefit from textbooks and online tutorials, or would a weekly class with a concrete start and end date be better motivation? 

Fall in Love With the Process 

You've decided to explore French cooking, beekeeping, or conversational Spanish. You have the materials, the class schedule is marked... yet, finding the motivation to continue can sometimes be tough. Everyone experiences this at some point. 

Remind yourself why you began in the first place. Was it about feeling more self-sufficient after years in the city? Wanting to boost your cardio and meet new friends by joining that hiking group? Keeping the bigger picture in mind makes taking those early, sometimes difficult, steps a bit easier. 

Bonus: the excitement you feel when learning actually helps you learn better! Researchers have found a positive link between our mood and our ability to absorb and recall information. So, feeling passionate about what you're doing is definitely to your advantage. 

Don't Be Afraid to Ask "Silly" Questions 

Imposter syndrome is a real challenge for anyone attempting something new. The nagging feeling that you're not smart enough, don't belong, and that everyone else is way ahead of you can easily derail your learning journey. However, chances are you're not the only one with a question or a struggle in a group setting. By speaking up, you're potentially helping someone else in the very same situation! And even if not, asking the question is still important for your own progress. Remember, it's far better to clear something up in the moment than to let confusion stop you from moving forward. 

If the fear of looking foolish holds you back, try rephrasing the situation in your mind. Instead of "asking a question," think of it as "seeking information to better understand." Or, acknowledge your hesitation upfront: "This may be a basic question, but I'm a little confused about...". Most teachers appreciate a student's desire to get something right, and decent classmates won't give it a second thought. 

If you're learning independently, online resources are your friend. Don't be afraid to search for beginner forums where similar questions are likely being asked all the time. Reddit, Quora, or simple Google searches often uncover others facing the same hurdles you are – and perhaps even offering helpful solutions. It reminds you that you're not alone! 

Embrace Community 

There's something special about learning with others, whether it's a formal class or a casual interest group. You gain a sense of belonging, and it helps create accountability – if you know there's a Wednesday night pottery group you enjoy, you're more likely to keep showing up. 

There's also something to be said for friendly competition, which can make you push yourself a bit harder. Seeing others' progress can provide both inspiration and a benchmark to measure yourself against. However, falling into the comparison trap can be dangerous, reminds Wu. Remember, everyone is learning at their own pace, and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. 

Sometimes, a class or group can offer something even the best online resources can't: instant feedback and troubleshooting in the moment. That expert eye seeing what you're doing wrong with your knitting stitches or French pronunciation can be incredibly valuable. Look for community groups, workshops, or classes in areas that interest you – your local library, community center, or even online offerings are likely a good place to start. 

Remember, It's Not Just About the End Goal 

While having a specific skill you dream of acquiring is great, don't lose sight of all the benefits gained along the way. Learning improves focus and problem-solving skills that carry over into other areas of your life. It can build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, both wonderful antidotes to daily stress. "I had a student who learned woodworking only to realize she absolutely hated it," says Mackey. "But in the process, it turned out she actually loved problem-solving and figuring out how things work. It changed her whole career path!" 

The simple act of dedicating yourself to continuous improvement is a powerful thing. It's a way of telling yourself that your potential isn't tapped out, that you're capable of more. Maybe that doesn't always look like reaching the original goal you set. Sometimes, the journey leads somewhere completely unexpected – and that unexpected destination can be just as good, if not better. 

Resources for Your Learning Journey 

Luckily, you don't need to navigate this learning adventure alone. Countless resources are available, many of them free or low-cost, to help enhance your skills and introduce you to completely new experiences. 

Your Local Library: Far from the dusty building of your childhood, modern libraries offer far more than books. Many have robust online resources, including free access to ebooks, language learning programs, and even streaming services with educational content. Librarians are usually knowledgeable and eager to help, so don't hesitate to ask about programs like crafting workshops, author talks, or technology classes. 

Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a massive selection of courses, often with an option to audit classes for free, meaning you won't receive a certificate, but still gain the knowledge. YouTube is another treasure trove of educational content, from foreign language instruction to DIY home improvement. Be wary of channels that push you towards expensive premium content – often the core knowledge can be picked up for free, while paid subscriptions might offer extra resources and community access. 

Community Resources: City-run programs or community colleges frequently offer introductory classes in everything from painting to personal finance. Local shops and organizations sometimes hold free events, demonstrations, or skill shares. Keep an eye on bulletin boards, social media groups, and even your local newspaper's events section for these hidden gems. 

The Internet in General: Sometimes a simple search will reveal the information you need! Whether it's troubleshooting an appliance, learning basic coding, or discovering the fascinating world of mushroom identification, the internet is teeming with knowledge. However, as always, be mindful of the source! Look for established websites (.gov or .edu domains), reputable organizations, and content written by experts rather than relying on random forums or blogs. 

Practical Tips for Staying on Track 

Set SMART goals: These are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague "learn French," break it down: "Complete beginner French lesson one by Wednesday," or "Memorize 20 common vocabulary words per week." 

Break up learning into small chunks: Cramming is ineffective! Carve out short, focused blocks of time for learning, even within a busy schedule. It's better to practice 20 minutes daily than cram for three hours once a week. 

Schedule it in: Learning needs to be a priority on your calendar like other commitments. Block out time and treat it like an important appointment with yourself. 

Reward yourself: Learning should be enjoyable! Set small milestones and come up with rewards to celebrate your progress. This could be as simple as treating yourself to a fancy coffee after mastering a tricky concept, or something bigger when you complete a course or reach an important goal. 

Be kind to yourself: Progress isn't linear. There will be easy days and frustrating ones. Stumbling blocks are part of the learning process, not a sign of failure. 

The world is filled with possibilities to explore, skills to master, and exciting information to discover. Embrace the journey of learning something new every day, and you may be surprised at how it enriches your life, boosts your brain, and reminds you that you're never too old to grow.