Fun Learning
6 min read
Unlock Joy in Everyday Moments
Do you think trees laugh at us? Someone once asked me this, and it sparked a surprisingly deep and hilarious conversation. It reminded me that learning can take so many forms—and the more fun it is, the more effective it becomes. That’s when it hit me: if you’re going to do anything, make sure it’s enjoyable and worth your time.
Learning can be fun, freeing, and an opportunity to unlock new ways of thinking. Imagine if you could make learning enjoyable no matter the task—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. The key is to bring joy to every moment and find ways to make even the smallest learning experiences rewarding. We often get caught up in tasks and forget that we can poke fun into the most unexpected moments. This can make life freeing.
Bring joy to the process, not just the outcome!
Be Curious like a child
Curiosity is the foundation of all learning. It’s the natural drive that keeps us asking questions, exploring new things, and pushing boundaries. Stay curious about the world around you. Ask why things are the way they are, and take time to explore the answers. The more you embrace your curiosity, the more you’ll learn—and the more fun you’ll have while doing it! Most children are naturally curious, unafraid of making mistakes, and eager to try new things (Bazhydai & Westermann, 2020). Tap into that childlike wonder when you approach learning. Don’t worry about being perfect—just focus on exploring, having fun, and soaking in what you can. Can you laugh at yourself? Like children, we learn the most when we’re not afraid to make mistakes. Embrace them, laugh about them, and keep going. Some of the best learners are the ones who keep a sense of humour.
Make It Interesting to You
Not everything we need to learn is exciting. By learning to make connections to our personal interests, we are able to make boring tasks more enjoyable. Ask yourself: What do you naturally enjoy? What catches your attention? Who do you want to understand better? When you combine your passions with your learning, it becomes something you look forward to instead of something you have to do.
Use Everything in Your Environment
As Mr. Miyagi says in The Karate Kid, “Use everything in your environment” (The Karate Kid, 1984). Treat the world as your classroom—every place, person, and activity can contribute to your learning. Pay attention to the small details, and leverage the resources and experiences around you. Being present and engaged helps you discover learning opportunities you might otherwise overlook.
Be Open-Minded
Openness is a powerful tool for learning (Abu Raya et al., 2023). This involves admitting when you are wrong or changing your ideas. Learn to be more flexible. Stay open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. You’ll encounter a lot of information that might challenge what you thought you knew, but it’s those moments that can truly expand your understanding (Connors & Halligan, 2015). Remember, learning isn’t about getting things right all the time—it’s about growing.
Conclusion
Be like a child—curious, unafraid, and always engaged in the present moment. Learn from everything around you, stay open-minded, and have fun with the process. Use your environment to help you, and remember that learning is an adventure meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
Sources
Bazhydai, Marina & Westermann, Gert. (2020). From Curiosity, to Wonder, to Creativity: a Cognitive Developmental Psychology Perspective. 10.31219/osf.io/6fp93.
Avildsen, J. G. (Director). (1984). The Karate Kid [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
Abu Raya M, Ogunyemi AO, Broder J, Carstensen VR, Illanes-Manrique M, Rankin KP. The neurobiology of openness as a personality trait. Front Neurol. 2023 Aug 14;14:1235345. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1235345. PMID: 37645602; PMCID: PMC10461810.
Connors MH, Halligan PW. A cognitive account of belief: a tentative road map. Front Psychol. 2015 Feb 13;5:1588. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01588. PMID: 25741291; PMCID: PMC4327528.
