With deadlines looming overhead and the next project always on the horizon, it can be a struggle for creatives to justify the time it takes to sharpen skills, develop new ones, or stay on top of the industry. However, whether your knowledge base is design or another creative endeavor, it’s important to continue learning to stay knowledgeable in your field.
Believe it or not – even several decades in – we at Matcha Design feel you’re never too much of an expert to learn, and that’s part of the commitment to integrity that we share. We don’t expect to teach you about design without first teaching ourselves.
Chris Lo, Matcha Design founder, says, “As business owners, particularly creative business operators, we must remember that continuing to improve our skill sets, calibrate our business processes, and adapt are the keys to success. It’s so important to be flexible.”
Read on to find out more!
The Benefits of Continual Learning
Our formative years start out as students. From a young age, we watch people – how they walk, how words are formed. It makes sense to continue learning to keep from stagnating. Here are some of the benefits of investing in continuous learning!
Learning keeps our minds young
Henry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” It turns out he was onto something: a Cambridge article backed by a study suggests that people who stay in education longer have a lower risk of developing dementia. Even if you aren’t formally educated, you may be able to reap these benefits as long as you’re dedicated to learning something new!
Good learners become great leaders
If you’ve ever had a lazy boss who appears to know nothing about the job, you know how frustrating it is to be under someone who seems to have given up on learning. As John F. Kennedy , former President of the United States, said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” In most cases, a leader who learns is the only leader worth following. After all, how can you inspire your team to learn if you’re unwilling to do so?
A Valamis writer seems to agree: “When employees see that their manager or supervisor is fully engaged and supportive of learning and development initiatives, it creates an atmosphere that promotes continuous learning.”
The best workers are adaptable
If leaders want their employees to rise above industry changes, they must encourage them to adapt. Likewise, if you are an employee who wants to be seen as indispensable, you should be aware of the changes in your industry and update your skill set.
“An employee who engages in constant learning is more likely to know about new developments in their field. When their job changes, they’re likely to be quicker at picking up new skills and knowledge than an employee who doesn’t engage in professional training unless they really have to,” Melissa Malec at Learnerbly says.
It forces you to be brave
The status quo is comfortable. It’s what you know – but it’s holding you back. Growth and learning can only happen when you push past your fears. Roelle Ann Santa Maria at LSE encourages this mindset, saying, “Face your fears, it may be time to push the boundaries!”
Roadblocks in the Way of Ongoing Learning
Now that you know the benefits of learning, let’s discuss our roadblocks.
Being a know-it-all isn’t smart
“It is what we think we already know that prevents us from learning.” French physiologist Claude Bernard understood that going into a problem thinking we already know the answer is detrimental to learning. Instead, enjoy the journey.
The Design Council echoes that sentiment: “During your research process, you (must ask) smart, naive questions… Eliminate all your assumptions and turn them into validated knowledge. Being convinced you know everything isn’t conducive to that outcome.”
We should treat books like treasures
Charlie Munger , an entrepreneur, knew the value of a good book. “In my whole life, I have known no wise people who did not read all the time – none, zero.” Your home office should have shelves full of helpful books. To learn, you must first read, but you can’’t stop there.
We need to get our hands dirty
“Tell me, and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me, and I learn,” Benjamin Franklin said. Merely reading won’t lead to learning. You need to apply the information for success. As author Leo Buscaglia said, “Change is the end result of all true learning.”
Here’s How Matcha Design Can Help
Everyone needs help sometimes – it’s why we have teachers, mentors, and assistants. At Matcha Design, we look at every new project with a fresh set of eyes and involve you in the process. We’re happy to explain what works and doesn’t work to give you the best chance of standing out in a sea of competitors – and we are always learning to ensure that our skills stay sharp.
If you’d like to benefit from working with a creative design team with integrity, contact us today! We’re happy to help with your project.
