Janson's Journal | June 2025 Issue
Be a Lifelong Learner
I am always filled with newfound energy and inspiration upon return from High Spring Market. And Spring 2025 Market was no exception. One insightful point made by a seasoned designer during a panel resonated with me: it’s essential to share content from Market on social media, not just to showcase beautiful products and friendly faces, but to highlight the investment in learning, continually honing your craft, and staying informed about trends impacting the interior design community.
As we grow older, it can be easy to focus solely on the daily demands of our professions, often neglecting to engage in new and sometimes challenging experiences. Taking the time to learn and practice new skills is where true greatness lies.
In short, embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner.
As I warned, always expect a quote from me and here’s a wonderful one from architect and furniture designer Eileen Gray:
“To create, one must first question everything. Never adopt someone else’s conclusion without putting it to the test of your own reasoning and imagination.”
At High Point, discussions ranged from navigating tariffs and time billing strategies to defining the ideal client. It became clear that there are no definitive answers, as panelists and speakers shared insights from their personal experiences. I enjoy most the panels with contradictory viewpoints – soaking those up and processing through my own lens and perspective to grow new and improved ideas of my own.
Whether it's staying updated on design trends or changes to sales tax regulations and Instagram algorithms—as we do here at The Dove Agency—it's vital to keep learning. If you stop learning, you stop being the best for your clients and your company. Lifelong learners are generally better problem solvers, more technically proficient, and adaptable, all of which contribute to career advancement and increased earnings.
Beyond these obvious benefits, the mindset of a lifelong learner also fosters positive social connections, providing more opportunities to network and meet new people. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies highlights the mental health benefits of ongoing learning, including increased life satisfaction and reduced anxiety and depression.
So, keep learning! Make it clear to your clients and everyone you encounter on your professional journey—including your team, vendors, and professional network—that continuous learning is a priority for you and your business. This topic is so exciting it deserves one more quote to close:
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." — Mahatma Gandhi
Sources for Janson’s Journal
Here are the sources for the statistics mentioned in the "Janson’s Journal" section, along with their publication dates:
Career Advancement: A study by the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that individuals who engage in lifelong learning are 20% more likely to be promoted than those who do not.
Increased Earnings: According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders earn an average of 67% more per week than those with only a high school diploma. Continuous education can lead to higher qualifications and better-paying jobs.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Research published in the journal "Neuropsychology" indicates that adults who engage in ongoing learning have better cognitive functioning and are less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age.
Adaptability: A report by the World Economic Forum indicates that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in labor between humans and machines. Lifelong learning helps individuals adapt to changing job markets by acquiring new skills.
Mental Health Benefits: A study in the "Journal of Happiness Studies" found that engaging in continuous learning can lead to increased life satisfaction and mental well-being, reducing risks of depression and anxiety.
Social Connections: Lifelong learners often have more opportunities to meet new people through classes or workshops, which boosts their social networks and support systems, contributing to overall happiness and emotional health.
Increased Problem-Solving Skills: A study from Stanford University found that lifelong learners develop better problem-solving skills and creativity, which can enhance both personal and professional experiences.
Technology Proficiency: The Pew Research Center reported that adults who engage in ongoing learning are more likely to be comfortable using technology and digital tools, which are increasingly important in today’s job market.
These statistics and facts illustrate that lifelong learning not only enhances career prospects but also contributes to improved mental health, cognitive abilities, and social connections.