The Hardest Part Isn’t Learning. It’s Giving Yourself Permission to Be a Learner Again
Ruth Pearce JD, MSc, PCC, PMP
🐘 Professional & Intentional Listener 🐘 Speaker - Hope, Character Strengths, Curiosity & Bravery Science | Ethical Decision Making | Learn to Listen 🐘 Coach 🐘 Trainer 🐘 AI & Ethics Nerd 🐘 Awaiting NC Bar Results
Bar prep in your 50s hits differently.
It’s not the content. It’s not the cases, or the rules, or the study schedules, although those things aren’t exactly light work.
It’s the identity shift.
When you’ve built a career, led teams and spoken from stages, it’s humbling to sit down and not know. To fumble through multiple-choice questions. To re-read the same paragraph three times. To feel your nervous system tighten in response to "getting it wrong."
The hardest part isn’t learning. It’s giving yourself permission to be a learner again.
That requires more than discipline. It demands courage. Vulnerability. Nervous system regulation. And a deep breath every time the inner voice says, "You should already know this."
The truth is, our culture doesn’t often make space for high-achieving adults to be in learning mode. We celebrate expertise. We reward certainty. We promote those who "have it together."
But real growth requires messiness. Repetition. Failing forward.
So here’s what I’m practicing in this season:
Making room for beginner's mind without judgment.
Pausing when shame creeps in and asking, "What would self-trust look like right now?"
Celebrating small wins: staying regulated through a tough study block, asking for help, or coming back after a rough day.
Studying for the Bar isn’t just academic for me, it’s spiritual. It’s a rewilding of my inner learner. A reclamation of grace. A deepening of humility and hope.
If you’re in a season of becoming, whether you’re back in school, switching careers or just trying something new, you don’t have to have it all figured out.
Give yourself permission to be a learner.
It might be the bravest thing you do.
Leadership Coach & Principal | The coach for new leaders | Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging | Leadership Development | Speaker and Facilitator | Committed to supporting people and organizations do better
1moLove the truth and vulnerability you share here, Ruth Pearce JD, MSc, PCC, PMP, CIC, CCT, CiPP.
Strategic Leader in Corporate Transformation & Culture | Executive Coach & Leadership Development Expert | EQi & MBTI Certified
1moRuth Pearce JD, MSc, PCC, PMP, CIC, CCT, CiPP I am also in the throws of learning again. What I am gaining at this age has been transformative. I believe it is because I can appreciate it more.
Mindset Coach / Performance Coach / Consultant for Bob Proctor's world-renowned Thinking Into Results program / focused and elevated thinking for performance driven professionals.
1moWell said!! You’re already ahead of the game when you’re aware of this growth. Relax, enjoy the ride. Know that everything you need will come as you need it. This life is about growth. 👏👏
Insurance executive dedicated to applying the knowledge of health care insurance to the greater mental health public good!
1moI hear you, my friend! My 4th degree has been difficult in my 50s. A dissertation in your 50s is hard. Stay strong. You are going to crush it!!! 😘
Problem solver, policy whisperer, project and program manager, and high-performing team leader. Need change management solutions to streamline your organization's growth from someone who loves a challenge? Let's chat!
1moTHIS! 👏 Working through recent certifications has been much more taxing than I thought it would be and incredibly frustrating at times. I find it fun to learn but not so fun to feel like learning is difficult. It can be a delicate balance. Especially when there’s pressure to perform, like when taking your upcoming bar exam. Keep going strong! We’re all cheering you on! 👏