It’s that time of year! Across the country, students are heading back to school (and parents are rejoicing!). With new backpacks, supplies and books in tow, students are ready to kick off the school year. The long days of summer might be winding down, but there’s no denying there’s a certain refreshing energy in the air this time of year.

 

Students are excited to learn; they’re ready to take on new challenges and experience new things. After a rewarding summer of block parties and vacations, it’s nice to get back into a routine.

 

The beginning of school year always reminds me of the start of the New Year. There’s this renewed feeling that anything is possible if you put your mind to it – especially when it comes to personal and professional growth.

 

Throughout the workday, we get pulled in a dozen different directions. We set an intention to invest in our professional development, but unavoidable commitments and deadlines get in the way. There’s something inspiring about watching students of all ages – from first-time kindergarteners to last-year graduate students – get ready for the new school year.

 

So as professional learners, why not take this opportunity to set new goals, explore new areas of interest and grow your careers?

 

It could be something as grandiose as heading back to graduate school or as small (but mighty) as committing 10 minutes a week to learning something new. The most important thing is never to stop learning.

 

As Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” — Click to Tweet!

 

How do you plan to learn something new this school year?

 

Share your learning goals, inspiration and accomplishments on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #NeverStopLearning to stay motivated and get connected with other lifetime learners. Or leave a comment below!