With school starting back in the morning the kids will be in full on lesson mode. Learning new things every day. It keeps them excited and their brains are making incredible connections that will serve them the rest of their lives.

Does learning end when we leave school?

Of course not. As we get older and leave school we have a tendency to stop thinking about learning in the same way. It is no longer formalized, dedicated times with specific goals of what to learn.

Some people never read another book, set another learning goal, learn a new language, write another story or do much of anything more than learning how to use FaceBook and Fantasy Football sites.

What can I learn today?

Audio Books

Since I am in technology I have to pretty much learn new stuff all the time or get left in the bit dust. But I really like to learn new things so this year I’ve been using my wonderful commute time to listen to audio books.

Here are a few of the books I’ve “read” recently:

• First, break all the rules : what the world’s greatest managers do differently
• Flip : how to turn everything you know on its head–and succeed beyond your wildest imaginings.
• Tribes : we need you to lead us.
• How to win friends and influence people
• It’s not just who you know : transform your life (and your organization) by turning colleagues and contacts into lasting, genuine relationships.
• I can read you like a book : how to spot the messages and emotions people are really sending with their body language.

I’ll do a post soon on some of these books I really liked.

Blogs

I read several blogs in Google Reader and visit the stuff that really interests me.

It is so easy to find good content this way that I’m surprised when people don’t know what I’m talking about. RSS readers are available in Outlook, Google, many mail programs and of course stand alone sites like Google Reader.

Podcasts

I listen to podcasts in the car, sitting at my kids practices, late at night and basically everywhere.

You get some decent information even if most podcasters are trying to sell you something or convince you to use their services. Some are better than others and some give more free info than most.

I plan on giving out my list of subscriptions soon, but go to iTunes and look for anything that interests you – there is probably a podcast to match your interest.

Magazines

Magazines have made a minor comeback for me recently as they seem to be either focusing on shorter, fast hitting topics or really good in depth reporting. I like both styles and read many different niche magazines. Finance, Tech, Fitness, etc. Love em all!

Take some time today to learn a lesson. The internet and related technologies have made it easier than ever. Take advantage of the opportunities!