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Learning From “Kids” Half My Age
S.J. Scott
September 18, 2025
In partnership with
Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!
This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction.
Let’s get to it.
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📈 Learning From “Kids” Half My Age
In a recent email, I shared how my AI music project had crossed 12,000 daily Spotify streams (The Rule That Got Me 12K Daily Spotify Streams). Well, here’s the latest update: yesterday, the channel hit 23,000+ streams in a single day.
It’s exciting to see this momentum build. But more than the numbers, what stands out to me is this: none of it would’ve been possible if I hadn’t committed to being a student again.
I’ve had to learn new tools like Suno for music creation. I’ve had to figure out how to distribute tracks across Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube Music. I’ve had to dive into AI image and video tools. And perhaps most humbling of all, I’ve been learning from creators half my age who are crushing it on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.
This project has reinforced a core philosophy I try to live by: never stop being a student.
The Philosophy of Lifelong Learning
Somewhere along the way, many adults stop learning. We graduate high school or college, start our careers, and then settle into routines. The curiosity that once drove us gets replaced by busyness, responsibility, and comfort.
The statistics are sobering:
● According to the Pew Research Center, 23% of U.S. adults didn’t read a single book last year.
● The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American spends just 17 minutes a day reading — compared to nearly 3 hours watching TV.
● In contrast, research from the University of Oxford shows that people who engage in continuous learning are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.
But lifelong learning isn’t just about reading more books (though that helps). It’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity — the belief that no matter how old you are, there’s always something new to discover.
History is full of examples:
● Michelangelo, at age 87, famously said, “I am still learning.”
● Benjamin Franklin devoted an hour a day to learning throughout his life, a practice now called the “5-hour rule.”
● Modern companies like Google and Amazon encourage employees to spend part of their workweek exploring new ideas, because innovation thrives when curiosity is rewarded.
When you make a commitment to lifelong learning, you don’t just gain knowledge — you gain adaptability. The world is changing faster than ever. Entire industries are being reshaped by AI, automation, and technology. The people who thrive are the ones who keep learning.
And here’s the beautiful part: you don’t have to go back to school or spend thousands of dollars. The resources are already at your fingertips.
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Learn From Anyone, Anywhere
One of the most powerful mindset shifts is realizing that teachers come in all shapes and sizes.
● You can learn from experts who’ve spent decades mastering their craft.
● You can learn from peers who are walking the same path as you.
● And yes, you can learn from people much younger than you — sometimes especially from them.
Most of the strategies I’m using to grow my AI music channel? They’re things I’ve picked up from creators half my age who are experimenting, failing fast, and figuring out what works in real time.
When you drop your ego and embrace the role of student, the world becomes your classroom.
An Action Plan: YouTube University
In another email, I talked about what I call “YouTube University” (The Secret to Learning Almost Anything for Free). The idea is simple: almost anything you want to learn is available for free on YouTube if you’re willing to dig in.
Here’s a simple plan to put this into practice:
Pick a skill. Choose one thing you want to get better at — whether it’s video editing, coding, public speaking, or even baking bread.
Search intentionally. Use YouTube to find tutorials, walkthroughs, and case studies. Look for creators who explain things clearly and show real examples.
Create a playlist. Organize the best videos into a dedicated playlist so you can revisit them easily.
Practice as you learn. Don’t just watch. Apply what you learn immediately, even in small ways.
Teach it back. Share what you’ve learned with someone else, or create your own video/blog post. Teaching cements knowledge.
The barrier to entry for learning has never been lower. The only question is whether you’ll take advantage of it.
The Science of Staying Curious
Psychologists call it the “beginner’s mindset” — approaching life with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be wrong. Research shows that cultivating this mindset leads to:
● Greater creativity. You see connections others miss.
● Better resilience. You adapt faster when things change.
● More happiness. Curiosity itself is linked to higher life satisfaction.
In other words, being a student isn’t just about gaining knowledge. It’s about shaping the way you experience life.
Final Thoughts on Lifelong Learning
Yesterday, my AI music channel crossed 23,000 streams in a single day. That’s exciting, but the real win isn’t the number — it’s the growth that came from being willing to learn.
I’ve had to study new tools, watch endless tutorials, and learn from people younger and smarter than me. And honestly? It’s been fun. It’s reminded me that life feels richer when you approach it like a classroom.
So here’s my encouragement to you: never stop being a student. Pick a skill. Dive into YouTube University. Read more books. Ask more questions. Learn from anyone, no matter their age or background.
Because the moment you stop learning, you stop growing. And the moment you start again, you’ll be amazed at how quickly life opens up.
Talk soon,
Steve
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