Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Joy of Lifelong Learning

 

 

May 13, 2025

Regenerate Your World 

Build the future you want to live in.


I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis.

Let's Get Empowered!

The Joy of Lifelong Learning

Photo of an Empower Possible Online Class: Career Crossroads

Dear Empowered Readers,


As the world celebrates a new wave of high school and college graduates this month, I am reminded that learning does not end with a diploma. Instead, it is a lifelong adventure—one that brings joy, growth, and empowerment at every stage. At Empower Possible, I believe that learning is not just a phase, but a way of living that opens doors to new possibilities, deeper wisdom, and a more fulfilling life.


The Benefits of Continuous Learning

Continuous learning enables personal and professional growth. It helps us achieve our career goals, adapt to change, and stay relevant in an ever-evolving world. But its impact goes far beyond the workplace. 

Lifelong learning:

  • Expands our skills and knowledge, making us more adaptable and resourceful.

  • Boosts our confidence and morale, as we see ourselves grow and achieve new milestones.

  • Sparks creativity and innovation, allowing us to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.

  •  Helps us navigate setbacks and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

  • Deepens our sense of purpose and fulfillment as we pursue passions and discover new interests.

As Malala Yousafzai said,

“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”

Education is not just about acquiring information—it is about transforming ourselves and, in turn, the world around us.


Strategies for Incorporating Learning into Daily Life

You don’t need to enroll in a formal program or carve out hours each day to be a lifelong learner. Here are practical ways to weave learning into your everyday routine:

  • Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Identify what you want to learn and break it down into manageable steps. 


  • Leverage Microlearning: Embrace short, focused bursts of learning—like watching a 10-minute video, reading an article, or listening to a podcast during your commute. Check out Podcasts on the Empower Possible site.

  • Integrate Learning into Routine Activities: Turn daily moments—like cooking, exercising, or commuting—into opportunities to learn something new.

  • Use Technology: Take advantage of educational apps, online courses, and digital resources that fit your learning style and schedule.

  • Reflect and Apply: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it in real life. Teaching others is also a powerful way to reinforce your own learning.

  • Join Learning Communities: Engage in conversations, join groups, or participate in workshops to share knowledge and gain new perspectives.

  • Stay Curious: Cultivate a habit of asking questions, exploring new topics, and seeking out new experiences.

As Helen Keller once said,

“The highest result of education is tolerance.”

Learning opens our minds and hearts, helping us connect with others and the world in deeper, more meaningful ways.


Exploring Different Learning Styles and Methods

We all learn differently, and understanding your unique learning style can make the process more enjoyable and effective. According to the VARK model, there are four primary learning styles4:


Visual

Learns best through images, diagrams, and charts

Consider learning through: Flowcharts, mind maps, visual aids

Auditory

Prefers listening and speaking

Consider learning through: Lectures, discussions, podcasts

Reading/Writing

Absorbs information through reading and writing

Consider learning through: Books, articles, note-taking

Kinesthetic

Learns by doing and experiencing

Consider learning through: Hands-on activities, experiments


Most of us are a blend of these styles. Experiment with different methods to discover what resonates with you. For example, you might listen to an audiobook while walking (auditory/kinesthetic), or create a mind map to organize your thoughts (visual).


Personal Reflections: My Own Learning Journey

Let me share two personal examples of how lifelong learning has enriched my life:


1. Embracing Technology for Growth
 A few years ago, I realized that digital tools were rapidly transforming the way we work and connect. At first, I didn't know where to start. Then I took the methods I applied when gaining strength and cardio fitness and applied them to my mental/intellectual fitness.

When weight training, I start with the basics, low or no weight, and gradually increase the weight and add more dynamic movement. I decided to do the same with my learning plan. I learned one new app or platform each month. I started with simple tools like online scheduling apps and gradually moved to more complex ones like data visualization software. This not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to serve my clients at Empower Possible more effectively. The process reminded me that learning is not about perfection, but about progress and curiosity.


2. Learning from the Community
 When I launched Empower Possible, I joined a network of women entrepreneurs. Through workshops, book clubs, and candid conversations, I learned invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and self-care. One of the most profound insights came from a fellow founder who said, “We rise by lifting others.” This community became a living classroom, teaching me that wisdom is often found in shared experiences and collective growth.


Reflection Questions for You

  • What new skill or topic are you curious about?

  • How has learning something new recently impacted your life?

  • What barriers prevent you from pursuing new knowledge?

    Take a moment to reflect on these questions. Write down your thoughts, and consider sharing them with a friend or mentor. Sometimes, the act of reflection itself is a powerful learning experience.

Affirmation

“I am a lifelong learner, always open to new ideas and experiences.”

Repeat this affirmation to yourself whenever you feel stuck or uncertain. Let it remind you that every day is an opportunity to grow, explore, and become more of who you are meant to be.


The “W” in EMPOWER: Well-being

At Empower Possible, the “W” in our EMPOWER framework stands for Well-being. Well-being is more than physical health it also includes intellectual health and goes beyond knowledge—it is the ability to apply what we learn with discernment, compassion, and purpose. Lifelong learning is the path to wisdom. It encourages us to:

  • Seek understanding, not just information.

  • Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

  • Share our knowledge to uplift others.

  • Reflect on our experiences and learn from them.

By nurturing wisdom, we empower ourselves and those around us to create positive change. Our workshops, coaching, and resources at www.empowerpossible.com are designed to support you on this journey, helping you unlock your potential and embrace the joy of lifelong learning.


Serious about learning? Want to chat about the options?

Click here to schedule a quick call.


Join the Movement: Learning for Life

Education is a lifelong gift as you celebrate the graduates in your life or reflect on your learning journey. Whether you are starting a new chapter, changing careers, or simply seeking to enrich your daily life, the pursuit of knowledge is always within reach.


Let’s make learning a joyful, integral part of our lives. Let’s support each other in our growth, share our wisdom, and create a world where everyone is empowered to learn, lead, and thrive.


Take Care, Dear Reader,


 Julie Zaruba Fountaine
 Founder, Empower Possible

 

Learning something new at the Duluth Folk School!

 
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Scan the QR Code to sign up to be notified when the next Mountain 10 workshop is offered. 


What is Mountain 10?     

                                                                                                                                                   During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey.

 

Through Books and Learning

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

When it comes to learning, a book has no bounds,
Learning helps us stand our ground.
Rather than say I don't know
In a book, solutions do show.

Through books and lessons, we do grow,
It helps us to understand the world we come to know.
With minds enlightened, better decisions pave the way;
Learning empowers so read a book every day.

 
 

Kind Words from a Coaching Client

A special thanks to one of my coaching clients for sharing a few kind words about her coaching experience.

In The Media

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. 

Thank you to The CEO Mindset for hosting me on your podcast. 


By pressing play on this episode, you'll discover:

  • The difference between goals and priorities
  • The relationship between unmet goals and your systems/processes
  • Common misconceptions about productivity
  • What running a 5K has to do with systems, goals, and changing your life

Click HERE to check out the podcast

Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being.

https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/ 

Connect with me on social media!

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Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

 Northfield, MN, USA


EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation. 


info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission


You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time. 

Disclaimer:
This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Heads or Tails?

 

 

April 29, 2025

Regenerate Your World 

Build the future you want to live in.


I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis.

Let's Get Empowered!

Heads or Tails?

My first day signing into the ILT Academy. Participating in the Academy changed how I view business and how I think about taking risks.

Dear Empowered Reader,


As we continue our journey of growth and self-discovery, it's important to reflect on the perspective through which we view the challenges and opportunities that come our way. In our last newsletter, we discussed the necessity of embracing change, but today, I want to deepen that conversation by introducing a concept that will shape how we approach every aspect of transformation: the regenerative perspective.


As you may remember from the last newsletter, check it out here: https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/2025/04/unlock-your-full-potential.html having a regenerative perspective means you view challenges and opportunities as part of a larger, interconnected system. Inspired by principles from nature, it emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and the ability to restore and enhance systems—whether they are personal, social, or ecological. Unlike fixed or linear thinking, a regenerative approach allows us to co-evolve with our circumstances, creating outcomes that benefit both ourselves and the world around us.


Life is full of moments that challenge us to step beyond the boundaries of what feels safe and familiar. Today, I want to share a personal story that taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone—and how those moments of discomfort can lead to incredible growth.


A few years ago, I stood on a stage, ready to pitch my ideas in the Entrepreneur’s Cup—a competition similar to Shark Tank. I had spent weeks preparing, pouring my heart into every detail of my presentation. It was exhilarating but nerve-wracking. I knew I was stepping into uncharted territory, far outside my comfort zone.


There were six other competitors and I didn’t win the main prize, I tied for the crowd favorite award. That moment felt like a victory—until the tie was settled by a coin flip. As the coin spun in the air, I confidently chose heads. When it landed on tails, disappointment hit me hard. For days afterward, even the sight of a quarter reminded me of that moment—the sting of loss and embarrassment.
But as time passed, I began to see that experience differently. It wasn’t just about the coin flip or the outcome; it was about the courage it took to step onto that stage in the first place. The preparation, the risk-taking, and the vulnerability of putting myself out there were all acts of growth. That moment taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing the possibility of growth, no matter what happens.


The Power of Stepping Beyond Comfort
Comfort zones are tempting places. They’re safe, predictable, and free from risk. But staying within them can keep us from experiencing life’s greatest opportunities for growth and transformation.
When you step outside your comfort zone—even in small ways—you open yourself up to new possibilities. You challenge yourself to learn, adapt, and grow in ways you never thought possible. Think of it as planting seeds in unfamiliar soil; while it may feel uncertain at first, those seeds have the potential to blossom into something extraordinary.


Lessons from Nature: Growth Happens Gradually
One concept that inspires me is the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental steps. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean making drastic changes overnight—it’s about taking manageable steps that expand your boundaries bit by bit.


Each time you stretch yourself beyond what feels safe—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, traveling to a new place, or pursuing a bold goal—you’re nurturing resilience and adaptability. These small acts build confidence over time and prepare you for even greater challenges ahead.


My Story: The Garden That Grew After Struggle
Looking back on my experience at the Entrepreneur’s Cup, I see it as a moment of growth rather than failure. Much like a garden thriving after a storm, I learned valuable lessons about perspective taking and adaptability—lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional journey.
That moment reminded me that stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t about guaranteeing success; it’s about embracing the process and trusting that even setbacks can lead to growth. Every challenge we face outside our comfort zone is an opportunity to become stronger and more capable. As Coach K says, "Failure is not a destination.".


Your Invitation: Stretch Your Boundaries
As you reflect on your own journey, I encourage you to think about one area where you can step outside your comfort zone. What’s one small action you can take today to stretch your boundaries? Remember, growth doesn’t happen all at once—it happens step by step, with each act of courage building on the last.
Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s where true transformation begins. Whether it’s trying something new or pursuing a dream that scares you a little (or a lot), trust that every step forward is bringing you closer to becoming your best self.


Reflection Questions

  1. What is one small step I can take today to challenge my comfort zone?

  2. How have past experiences of stepping out of my comfort zone contributed to my personal growth?

  3. What fears or beliefs hold me back from taking risks outside my comfort zone?

Affirmation

I embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and transformation. Each step outside my comfort zone brings me closer to my true potential.


The EMPOWER Possible community is here to support you as you take those steps. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience—and grow in ways we never imagined possible.
Until next time, embrace those moments outside your comfort zone—they’re where magic happens.


Take Care, Dear Reader.
Julie Zaruba FountaineFounder, EMPOWER Possible

 

The ILT cohort I was with in 2023. A group of new entrepreneurs exploring the world of business together! https://iltacademy.io/team/

 
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Keep Going

by

Kate Summers, ©2020

When failures come - keep going
When you feel like giving up - keep going
When people mock your idea - keep going
When challenges you face - keep going
When mistakes are made, learn - but keep going
Because perseverance just keeps going!

 
 

In the Media

Thanks to Voyage Minnesota for featuring me in a recent article. Check out the link to learn more about my entrepreneurial journey. https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-julie-zaruba-fountaine-of-empower-possible

Upcoming Events

Mountain 10 Workshops


What is Mountain 10?     

                                                                                                                                                   During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey.


Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability.


Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com



Connect with me on social media!

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Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

 Northfield, United States


EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation. 


info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission


You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time. 

Disclaimer:
This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

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