You may wear glasses to help you see things more clearly—but whether you realize it or not, we all wear metaphorical glasses too. Sometimes, people wear rose-colored glasses. Other times, they might be wearing “beer goggles.” Whatever the lens, it changes our perspective—it changes what we see, and sometimes even what we believe.
I believe there’s another kind of lens we should all be wearing more often: learning glasses.
These glasses help us see our situations—good, bad, or ordinary—as learning moments and opportunities. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced world, we don’t put them on nearly enough. We’re rushing to get things done, moving from one task to the next, often without pausing to reflect or grow from the moment.
If we want to be better leaders, teammates, and human beings, we must choose to see the world through the lens of learning.
What Are Learning Glasses?
Learning glasses are a mindset tool. They represent the conscious choice to approach life with curiosity and openness, searching for lessons in every situation—much like when leaders commit to developing a growth mindset.
When you put on your learning glasses, you start to notice patterns, gain insights, and turn even the most frustrating or routine experiences into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
When to Put on Your Learning Glasses
While you can wear your learning glasses anytime, here are seven moments when they can be especially transformative:
1. When You’re Frustrated
Frustration often means there’s something you’re not understanding or seeing. Putting on your learning glasses allows you to reframe the moment and search for solutions instead of stewing in irritation.
2. When Things Go Wrong
We all face setbacks—projects fail, plans change, and results surprise us. Rather than seeing these as dead ends, your learning glasses help you reflect on what happened and decide how to approach it differently next time.
3. When Working Toward a Goal
Goals aren’t just destinations—they’re journeys full of clues. Wearing your learning glasses helps you connect the dots, spot progress, and identify strategies to reach your objectives faster.
4. When Coaching Others
Coaching isn’t just about teaching—it’s about learning too. With your learning glasses on, you can better understand others’ perspectives, ask better questions, and even model the learning process for them.
5. When You’re Grateful
Gratitude deepens learning. When you recognize and appreciate what you have, you understand more about your values, priorities, and what truly matters to you.
6. When Observing People You Admire
Watching skilled leaders or talented peers becomes more valuable when you intentionally study them. Your learning glasses help you identify their strategies and adapt those strengths for yourself.
7. When Reading, Watching, or Listening
Learning doesn’t just come from textbooks or training sessions—it can come from novels, movies, or even casual conversations. With your learning glasses on, you’ll see connections to your life that others might miss.
The 15-Minute Learning Glasses Challenge
Here’s a simple way to get started: choose 15 minutes today to wear your learning glasses.
- Block that time on your calendar and decide that whatever you do during that window will be approached with curiosity.
- Or, choose a portion of a meeting or conversation to observe and reflect in real time.
At the end, write down what you noticed or learned. You may be surprised by how much insight comes from such a short intentional practice.
Learning opportunities are everywhere—but we have to choose to see them. When we put on our learning glasses, we make that choice.
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