There’s nothing like turning the page on a new year to inspire a fresh start. Breathe in.

Things may still be a bit wobbly, but we can tentatively imagine that a certain equilibrium may be achieved in the coming year – enough so that we can begin to reinvent our lives in all the ways we promised ourselves we would in the height of pandemic ruminations. (Edit 12/31: Let me acknowledge that January/February looks to be pretty tense at this point, and I don’t want to minimize that. I am nonetheless trying to be hopeful for the rest of the year.)

This new year is surely the time for purpose recalibration, future search, goal setting, and resolutions. As your plans come into view, you’ll no doubt have some learning to do to bring them to fruition.

And the beginning of the year won’t be the only time you need to embark on a learning journey. If past is prologue, we all have capabilities to sharpen, skills to acquire, knowledge to deepen, and curiosities to satisfy. Managing our own learning – in all its many manifestations, is also one of the skills we need to hone. In that effort, I can help.

Guidance for your learning journeys

I spent 2021 campaigning for self-directed learning. My Charting Your Course framework maps out a research-informed process for creating learning plans (free on my website) and my workshops and coaching engagements promote specific strategies for individuals to chart learning projects that will be successful. I have also given advice to leaders on creating environments that enable self-directed learning to thrive. In this work, I continue to learn more about the processes and practices of self-directed learning – from my clients, my conversations, and my ongoing interest in the related research and examples in practice.

I thought I could start 2022 with a concerted effort to share more nuanced tactics for charting a self-directed learning course. My plan is to use my blog and newsletter as platforms for exploring the key elements of self-directed learning that my clients have found most interesting. My current editorial outline contains material on setting strong goals, engaging deeply with others, and setting yourself up for continuous development. My recommendations will be aimed at learners like yourself, but those who want to support self-directed learning won’t have too much trouble translating the advice for their support roles. Keep an eye out for what’s coming up next.

Our capacity for learning is a cornerstone of human flourishing and motivation. ~ John Coleman

My consulting practice is “Learning 4 Learning Professionals” – and that can be read two ways. My work is meant to support the people who facilitate other’s learning: “learning professionals” being a catch-all term for learning leaders, people developers, learning strategists, designers, developers, facilitators, and faculty.

But it’s also meant to encompass anyone who needs to learn, anyone who has a knowledge base and skill set that underpins their work. In truth, we all need to be professional learners, not only for our changing work, but for all the other roles we play and all the other skills we build to keep our lives interesting.

An invitation

Let me know how I can help you to be a self-directed professional learner so that you have the capabilities you need.

Consider downloading the Charting Your Course Workbook and subscribing to my 4 Your Development newsletter (once/month) to learn useful details on successful self-directed learning. Follow my social media as well since I often share materials related to self-directed learning and I’ll announce new blog posts on the subject, too (LinkedIn / Twitter).

As always, the mantra for my consulting practice is a guiding light:

Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence. – Abigail Adams

Happy new year!