Embrace Learning: Why Saturdays Hit Different
G’day, g’day, g’day! Saturday has quickly become one of my favorite days of the week — and not just because it’s the weekend. It’s because Saturday is all about embracing learning in the Be More Social Daily Challenge. Every Saturday, I reflect, reset, and remind myself that learning isn’t something reserved for a classroom or a course. It’s a daily practice — a mindset.
Yesterday was all about sharpening focus, and tomorrow we move into sharing freely, which is one of my superpowers. But today? Today is about “wooing others over” through learning, connection, and simply being curious. Let me walk you through my Saturday — and more importantly, the people and moments that reminded me why learning never sleeps.
The Power of Learning, Practice, and Sharing
Was that a “woo” or a “good day” I said at the beginning? Honestly, it could’ve been both. That’s part of the charm of this journey. Learning isn’t sterile or linear — it’s playful, unpredictable, and deeply human. At Be More Social, we live by one core truth: when we learn, practice, and most importantly, share, everything changes.
One of my favorite parts of this Saturday was catching up with someone who’s building a wine tour business. He didn’t need guidance — he just needed to share. That exchange sparked some ideas for our charity, Choose Your Chapter, and even opened doors to new collaborations with our team in the Philippines.
Who Has Taught Me the Most About Learning?
You might be surprised by this, but one of my greatest teachers is… my dog, Pip.
Pip doesn’t dwell. She doesn’t overthink. She observes, responds, and keeps moving. That’s the essence of embracing learning — curiosity without judgement. She’s a master at staying present, and every scratch behind the ear is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments carry the greatest lessons.
But of course, there are humans too.
Take Dr. Donna Rose — “Dr. D” as I like to call her. She’s a powerhouse of relational wisdom and strength. When she shared her “why” with me, it shifted how I think about teaching. It’s not just about information — it’s about heart, about purpose. That’s the kind of learning that sticks.
Who Can I Teach or Share With Today?
The beauty of learning is that it doesn’t stop with you. It asks to be shared. And today, I’m sharing it with:
- My team: Many are still shaping their roles and figuring out their “why”.
- Our new volunteers: Fresh eyes, eager minds — ready to make a difference.
- My wider circle: The ones who see me as “the charity guy”, without realizing how much experimentation, trial, and reflection go on behind the scenes.
Teaching doesn’t have to be grand or formal. It’s often in the quiet choices: pausing before reacting, choosing words with intention, or simply showing up and listening.
When I pass along what I’ve learned, I’m also solidifying those lessons for myself. Repetition isn’t just about memory — it’s about transformation. Embrace learning.
Different People, Different Strengths: How We Learn
One of the most powerful realizations I’ve had is how different learning styles shapes how we grow. Not everyone processes information the same way — and that’s a good thing.
1. The Reflective Learner
They’re quiet, observant, and often drop wisdom like lightning out of nowhere. One of our team members didn’t speak much at first — and now she’s a guiding presence, leading by example.
2. The Action-Oriented Learner
These are the doers. They dive in, mess up, learn, and keep going. Perfection isn’t their goal — progress is. They’re the first to build prototypes and test ideas.
3. The Empathic Learner
They connect through emotion and energy. They might not remember a stat, but they’ll never forget how something made them feel. These learners keep the humanity in everything we do.
4. The Analytical Learner
Give them a spreadsheet, and they’ll see the story. They question systems and challenge inefficiencies. While sometimes seen as overly critical, their insights often save us time, money, and mistakes.
Together, these learning styles create a balanced ecosystem. No one needs to know it all — we know it all, collectively.
Learning Through Moments, Not Just Modules
This week was full of “a-ha” moments. Some came from planned meetings, others from spontaneous chats.
- From our legal advisor, I learned that patience isn’t passive — it’s a proactive act pf trust.
- From our donors and sponsors, I learned that generosity often precedes recognition.
- From our new recruits, I learned that clarity grows when people help shape their own path — like writing their own job description!
And then there were small, magical moments. Like this morning, when three runners passed me on the bridge, each saying “Good day”. I realized they’d read the back of my shirt: “Simply Say G’day”. It worked! Those interactions might seem trivial, but they’re proof that learning, connecting, and influencing can be as simple as saying hello.
The Hidden Lessons in Building a Team
Working with our team in the Philippines has taught me more than any MBA ever could. This week alone, we onboarded Julia — and let me tell you, she didn’t wait for June. She jumped right in and was phenomenal. From managing market stalls to selling handmade items, she’s been a game-changer. Shoutout to Karlo, too, who’s been building our marketplace for Men’s Shed. These two are rock stars.
Amidst the chaos of setting up cross-border payments (and possibly crypto wallets), I’ve learned that problem-solving is just learning in motion.
If anyone out there knows about Australian tax laws and crypto payroll, please reach out!
Why Learning From People Matters More Than Ever
In a world overflowing with online courses, AI tools, and webinars, human learning is still unmatched.
Because people bring:
- Nuance
- Energy
- Emotion
- Resilience
When I learn from someone, I’m not just gaining a skill. I’m gaining perspective. And when I teach, I’m not trying to impress — I’m here to express. Embrace learning.
My Daily Learning Practices (That You Can Try Too)
I’m committing to a few simple but powerful habits to keep my learning muscle strong:
- Start the day with a question: What can I learn today that will help me grow?
- Reflect each night: What surprised me today?
- Seek real feedback: Not just compliments, but growth-based insights.
- Model learning behavior: Admit what I don’t know. Celebrate when I learn something new.
Want to join me? Pick one and try it this week.
Final Thoughts: Everyone’s a Teacher, Everyone’s a Student
If I could leave you with one takeaway, it’s this:
Never underestimate who can teach you something.
It might be your child, your Uber driver, a teammate, or even your quiet inner voice.
So, who has been your greatest teacher this week?
And just as importantly, who can teach you today?
Learning isn’t a destination.
It’s a daily invitation.
Accept it. Embrace it. Share it.
