In a fast paced world like ours, what we know and how we use this knowledge keeps changing more quickly than ever before. To stay relevant, basking in the glory of old degrees and certificates is no longer enough. In fact, lifelong learning is not a luxury anymore, but a core necessity to stay in tune with our modern world.
Lifelong learning is an approach to learning - staying informed and keeping one’s interest and knowledge at its peak well beyond the formal learning phase. More than a learnt skill, lifelong learning is a state of mind that needs to be conditioned and trained because it is mainly self motivated. This learning can be in a formal or informal setting.
The benefits of lifelong learning are many. From offering opportunities for personal growth and development, it opens our world to new ideas, skills, and ways of looking at the world.
Some obvious advantages to having a passion to learn include professional security. One will never be redundant if you have the capacity to re-invent yourself as the need arises. This will also ensure that you are not stuck in jobs that are unattractive to you – there are many other options out there.
In addition, staying interested also increases one’s motivation to work and engage with the world. It also provides many networking opportunities as you meet people from different sectors and professions.
Often, these networks also lead to friendships and a better quality of life. In fact, it is scientifically proven that those who read, stay curious and engage with the world have a longer, and healthier life.
How does one commit to lifelong learning? One simple way is journaling. Staying focused on specific tasks, outlining a target and the means of achieving it will work wonders in ensuring that commitment to learning is retained. It is important to quantify, or write out, the skills, knowledge, or competencies that you want to work on.
Lifelong learning is more than a necessity. If fact, it will work better if it becomes a passion rather than a chore. Picking something that you are interested in, rather than what feels the right thing to do will ensure that you will stick with it. Passing fads tend to be irrelevant in the long run.
The greatest advantage of lifelong learning is that one will always stay relevant. By reading, listening, even writing, all our innate skills develop and stay alert, ready to be used at any time necessary.
In many ways, staying committed to learning today is easier than it has ever been. Thanks to technology, there is an endless amount of information in any form, whether visual or written. There are also many opportunities to share knowledge through social media and multiple platforms.
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