Years ago, I heard a saying that stuck with me: “It worked so well, I quit doing it.”
At first, it seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Why would you stop doing something that’s working? If you think about it, though, we’ve all been there. You hit the gym, get in shape, and then… you quit going. You eat clean, feel great, and then… you slide back into the drive-thru. Or you dive into personal development, experience amazing growth, and then… life gets busy, and suddenly, you’re back to just winging it.
It worked so well, I quit doing it.
Let’s discuss why this happens and why lifelong learning is essential for sustained growth and success.
The Cycle of Growth (and Decline)
I’ve noticed this pattern in my own life: Intense growth happens when I’m actively pushing myself. Whether it’s reading, attending workshops, working with a coach, or just intentionally reflecting, the effort creates momentum.
Then, at some point, things start to click. I feel better, see progress, and think, Wow, I’ve got this now. And that’s when the temptation to ease up sneaks in. I tell myself I’ve earned a break (which, to be fair, I probably have). The problem isn’t taking a breather; it’s when the breather turns into a full stop.
Before long, the momentum fades. The breakthroughs slow down. And then I find myself wondering why things feel harder than they used to.
It’s like coasting on a bike. You work hard to get up the hill, the downhill ride feels effortless, and then you hit flat ground again and realize you’re barely moving.
Like Going to The Gym
Personal development is a lot like going to the gym. You don’t go once, get in shape, and then stay fit forever. Growth requires consistency. It’s not just about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s building and maintaining habits that keep you moving forward.
The thing is, growth isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes, it’s messy and uncomfortable. Sometimes it feels like you’re not making progress at all. Like the gym, the results don’t show up overnight. They compound over time.
I’ve learned that lifelong learning isn’t about chasing perfection or constantly “leveling up.” It’s about staying engaged with your own growth because when you stop, life has a way of sneaking in and reminding you what coasting feels like.
Why Lifelong Learning Matters
So why is this so important? Here’s what I’ve found:
Momentum Creates Confidence
When you’re actively learning and growing, you’re reinforcing a belief in yourself. You’re proving, day by day, that you can adapt, improve, and rise to challenges.
The World Keeps Moving
Whether it’s new technology, shifting perspectives, or life circumstances, the world doesn’t stand still. Lifelong learning keeps you adaptable and ready for whatever comes next.
Stagnation Feels Worse Than Effort
Yes, growth takes effort. Stagnation? That takes a toll on your energy, your mindset, and even your relationships. It’s hard to feel excited about life when you’re stuck on autopilot.
It’s Fun to Surprise Yourself
One of the best parts of learning is discovering what you’re capable of. It’s fun to surprise yourself with a new skill, a fresh perspective, or a creative solution you didn’t think you had in you.
Keeping the Momentum
So, how do you make lifelong learning a habit instead of a phase? Here are a few ideas:
Start Small: You don’t need to overhaul your life. Read 10 pages of a book, listen to a podcast, or spend 5 minutes reflecting on your day.
Experiment: Try new things. Take a class, join a group, or dive into a topic you’ve always been curious about.
Remember why you started: Whether it’s for your career, relationships, or just for yourself, reconnect with the purpose behind your growth.
It Worked So Well, I Kept Doing It
Imagine if we flipped the saying: “It worked so well, I kept doing it.” What would change in your life if you treated personal growth as a lifelong practice instead of a short-term fix?
For me, it’s about staying curious and staying engaged. The journey is the reward.
What about you? What’s one thing you’ve let slide that you could pick back up today? Let me know in the comments.
If you’re excited about learning more and enhancing your personal growth journey, consider joining my membership for weekly insights and practical NLP tools. Each week, I’ll break down key concepts to help you grow personally with actionable and easy-to-apply content.
Image created with the assistance of AI using ChatGPT.