Why being a beginner is good for youWhy being a beginner is good for you
All In The Mind
Tom Vanderbilt didn’t know how to play chess. That fact had never bothered him – until his four-year-old daughter decided she wanted to have a go. Within a couple of months, they’d recruited a teacher and both Tom and his daughter combo were battling it out over 64 squares. Tom found the experience of being an adult beginner so challenging and interesting he thought he'd give it a proper go - with a range of different skills and hobbies. Over the next year he embarked on learning multiple new skills, from surfing to singing. On All in the Mind this week, we hear what Tom learnt from his journey, the benefits of lifelong learning, and how kids and adults learn differently.
29:06•17 Jul 2021
Embracing the Beginner's Mind: Tom Vanderbilt on Lifelong Learning
“If there's something that just calls out to you whether it even seems trivial or strange, just go with that, because you know enthusiasm is going to go a long way in terms of showing up for practice or putting in the practice or benefiting from it.”
Picture this: a dad who’s never played chess suddenly finds himself in a showdown with his four-year-old daughter. That’s exactly what happened to journalist Tom Vanderbilt. His daughter’s interest in chess sparked a journey that led him to explore a variety of new skills, from surfing to singing. In this episode of 'All In The Mind', Vanderbilt shares his experiences and insights into the world of lifelong learning.
He delves into how stepping into the shoes of a beginner can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Through his story, you'll see how learning new things isn't just for kids—adults can benefit immensely too. Vanderbilt breaks down the science behind skill acquisition and offers practical advice on overcoming the hurdles we all face when trying something new. If you've ever felt too old to pick up a new hobby or skill, this episode will make you think twice.
It’s a reminder that enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can transform your life at any age.
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