If you want to learn more about the world as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and your perspective ever-expanding.

However, certain habits can stifle curiosity and limit your growth as you age.

Letting go of these behaviors can open the door to new ideas, experiences, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Here are seven key behaviors to leave behind if you’re ready to embrace learning and stay curious throughout your life:

1) Saying “I know enough”

As we age, it’s easy to fall into the comfort of believing we’ve learned all there is to know—but, the truth is, the world keeps evolving and there’s always something new to learn.

If you had said “I know enough” ten years ago, you’d be left behind.

To continuously learn about the world as you grow older, it’s crucial to maintain a learner’s mindset; being open to new ideas, seeking out new information, and willing to change your mind when faced with new evidence.

The world has so much more to offer, and there’s always something new waiting to be discovered.

2) Avoiding technology

I’ll admit, I wasn’t always the most tech-savvy person—in fact, there was a time when I’d avoid technology like the plague—until I quickly realized this was limiting my ability to learn and grow.

In today’s digital age, the world is at our fingertips.

There’s a wealth of knowledge available online, from educational courses to enlightening podcasts and informative articles—avoiding technology meant missing out on all of this.

So, I made the decision to embrace technology, starting with learning how to use a smartphone.

It was a challenge at first, but over time I became more comfortable and found it opened up a whole new world for me.

Now, I use technology regularly to stay informed about global events, deepen my understanding on various topics, and even connect with people from different cultures.

It has truly broadened my horizons and continues to help me learn more about the world as I get older.

Yes, it might seem daunting at first but, trust me, it’s worth it!

3) Fear of asking questions

Asking questions is one of the most effective ways to learn.

However, as we grow older, many of us stop asking as many questions, partly due to the fear of appearing ignorant or uninformed.

But here’s something you might not know: Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, once said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

Just like Einstein, our curiosity can fuel our learning—the fear of asking questions can hinder our growth and limit our understanding of the world.

The next time you’re curious about something, don’t hold back.

Ask your question, seek out the answer, and watch as your world expands with each new piece of knowledge you gain.

4) Getting stuck in a routine

Routines can give us a sense of security and structure, but they can also limit our learning.

When we do the same things day in and day out, we often miss out on opportunities to encounter new ideas and experiences.

To learn more about the world as we age, it’s important to shake up our routines every once in a while.

Try a new hobby, read books on different topics, or strike up a conversation with someone from a different walk of life.

Breaking out of our routine not only brings excitement into our lives, but it also opens our minds to new perspectives and ideas.

5) Not admitting when you’re wrong

There was a time when I found it hard to admit when I was wrong.

It felt like a sign of weakness, like I was somehow less competent or intelligent—but I’ve since learned that admitting our mistakes is actually a sign of growth and maturity.

When we acknowledge our errors, we open ourselves up for correction and learning.

It’s an opportunity to deepen our understanding and expand our perspectives.

Even though it might be tough, admitting when we’re wrong is a powerful way to continue learning about the world as we get older.

6) Neglecting to listen

Listening is a powerful tool for learning—and not just passive listening, but active, engaged listening.

It’s about truly hearing and understanding the perspectives of others, which can provide invaluable insights and broaden our worldview.

As we grow older and yearn to be more wiser, it can be tempting to talk more and listen less especially when we believe we have a lot of wisdom to share.

No matter how much experience we have, there’s always more to learn from others.

Make it a habit to listen more than you speak—you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from others’ experiences and ideas.

Everyone you meet knows something you don’t, so it’s up to you to discover what it is.

7) Avoiding discomfort

The most important behavior to let go of if you want to learn more about the world as you get older is avoiding discomfort.

Growth and learning often happen outside our comfort zones; it’s when we face new challenges, engage with unfamiliar ideas, and step into unknown territories that we truly expand our understanding of the world.

Avoiding discomfort can be, well, uncomfortable—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Embrace discomfort and see it as a sign that you’re growing and learning.

After all, a life spent in the comfort zone is a life not fully lived—and who wants that?

Final thoughts: Embrace the journey

The journey of learning about the world doesn’t end just because we’re getting older.

In fact, renowned physicist Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”

The key to growth lies in letting go of limiting behaviors and embracing lifelong learning—stay curious, remain open, and recognize there’s always more to discover.

As we age, let’s shed these constraints and welcome the endless opportunities to learn.

It’s never too late to explore something new—the world is full of wonder waiting to be uncovered.

Age is just a number and, with curiosity and an open mind, the ability to grow and expand your knowledge remains limitless, enriching life at every turn.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

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Picture of Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley

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