Life is an exciting adventure of constant discovery. From the minute we are born, we learn the vibrant colours and shapes of the world. We take our first shaky steps and hold a book in our hands for the first time. There’s that unsteady first bike ride without training wheels and the climb to the highest branches of a tree. We learn to trust, to be cautious and to leave some things untouched.
Yet, as we step into the structured confines of a classroom, our learning journey suddenly becomes more rigid – timetables, rules, deadlines. Graduation often brings a sigh of relief. However, that is not where learning comes to a standstill. It evolves, as we do, and becomes a silent lifelong companion.
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What is lifelong learning?
Table of Contents
Lifelong learning is a dynamic, voluntary, and self-driven pursuit of knowledge fueled by curiosity and a desire for self-improvement. It usually transcends the confines of formal education, though it usually complements it. As lifelong learners, we take the initiative to acquire new skills, deepen our knowledge and refine behaviours we value. This dedication to learning and growth enables us to direct the trajectory of our development.
5 Reasons Lifelong Learning Should be Important to you?
Hobbies matter
These days, there is a strong emphasis on monetising our skills, which often leads us to neglect the things we do purely for enjoyment. There’s a notion that if it doesn’t lead to financial gain, it’s not worth our time. But we should never underestimate how hobbies can enrich us. We can learn about ourselves, expand our talents and build self-esteem.
What if you’ve always dreamed of plucking the strings of a guitar, not for fame or money, but to breathe life into your favorite melody? In that pursuit, you unearth hidden talents and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Professional goals
Today’s job market is ferociously competitive. Everyone is pushing to improve employability. Often, a university degree isn’t enough to land you a job. Employers are looking for candidates who present something extra that sets them apart from the crowd.
Lifelong learning allows us to hone our skillset, filling in the gaps left by formal education. We can enrol in supplementary courses or utilise tools like YouTube to boost our skills. This proactive approach gives us control of our personal and professional development. It builds confidence and allows us to embrace the ever-changing industry landscape. Through continuous learning, we gain control over our professional journey and equip ourselves for career success.
Adapt to change
The world is changing rapidly. Only two decades ago, smartphones did not exist. Today, you can run a business from the palm of your hand. To keep up with the ever-advancing tide of new technology, we must pay attention to trends, devise new ideas, and cultivate a culture of innovation. As life transforms around us, we must adapt to it.
Rather than thinking about change as a threat, we could see it as an opportunity for growth. As we embrace change, our problem-solving abilities mature. It allows us to explore novel ideas, build on existing ones and pave new paths. That is how we not only keep up with change but dash boldly ahead of it.
Building Confidence
Confidence is central to many aspects of our lives, especially personal well-being. Experience, knowledge and skill all help us build it. Lifelong learning gives us prolonged access to all of these things. Imagine the shot of confidence that comes from navigating a foreign country using your newly acquired language or finishing your first painting.
Confidence helps us face challenges and pursue goals with determination. It lets us step out of our comfort zone. Exposure to new experiences and knowledge grows our confidence. We learn to handle setbacks and navigate life with optimism.
Building connections
We learn better when we learn together. Language exchange partners, musical ensembles, book clubs – learning is fun when we can share it. We naturally gravitate towards people who share the same interests we do. It creates a sense of companionship and belonging. Engaging in online forums or social media centred around a specific topic encourages interaction with a diverse community of learners and offers individuals support and the arena to share fresh perspectives.
Additionally, lifelong learning opens up opportunities for mentorship relationships and networking events. Attending workshops and conferences helps you connect with industry experts and gain valuable professional contacts.
Whether in personal or professional arenas, lifelong learning sets the stage for collaboration and community, creating a vibrant ecosystem of interconnected learners.
How to become a lifelong learner
Formal education is not the full stop
Formal education, or having a degree, is not a requirement to obtain new knowledge or skills. Furthermore, learning doesn’t end once you graduate. We will never know all that we wish to know. Evoke your natural curiosity and chase the high of discovery. Remain open-minded to what the world would like to teach you.
Find what resonates with you
Pay attention to your values. What defines you? And how do you bring yourself closer to that ideal? Knowing what resonates with you helps you decide on long-term goals. Understanding your values fosters a commitment to learning endeavours that feel fulfilling.
Seek the path to becoming the ideal version of yourself, nurturing interests that help you grow.
Seek Resources
Where will you learn your new skills/knowledge? Who will teach you? What equipment/supplies will you need? There is a myriad of resources available to you.
- Check out online courses: sites like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare and university MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
- Read books: read broadly, visit libraries and bookstores, and listen to audiobooks.
- Visit Institutions: open lectures by universities, museum tours and NGOs are all a source of information. Check out local events and workshops.
- Find a teacher: find a tutor for your specific subject. Find a mentor or even a classmate who could help.
- Social Media: take part in discussions, ask questions, share and ask for advice
Go at your own pace
It might take some time to find your rhythm when learning something new. Remember, you have to outline a learning plan that is specifically suited to your learning needs, and that takes time. You will have to be flexible and adjust things if they are not working for you.
Nothing kills passion faster than pressure. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Ideally, your progress should be independent of external deadlines and expectations. Give yourself time to absorb and retain new information and reflect on your learning. You will identify which areas need improvement and more of your time and resources.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
Failure can be a difficult thing to process, but a growth mindset allows you to see challenges as an opportunity for improvement. It permits you to persist through difficulties and setbacks and improves learning and skills development. When you understand that failure is not a measure of your inherent intelligence or ability, the fear of failure diminishes, and you build resilience.
A growth mindset is an invaluable asset and helps you cultivate a love for learning.
Summary
Lifelong learning is a continual journey of a self-driven pursuit of knowledge. Curiosity and a desire for self-improvement drive learning. Engaging in lifelong learning has many benefits:
- Hobbies can reveal hidden talents and passions.
- It improves your employability.
- You adapt to an ever-changing world.
- You build confidence and step out of your comfort zone.
- It helps you build connections with like-minded people.
To be a lifelong learner, you need the following:
- Recognise that it goes beyond formal education, it requires curiosity and an open mind
- Identifying your values helps you shape your lifelong learning goals
- You will need to seek out resources, from books and online courses to museum tours and workshops
- Learn at your own pace, leaving time for reflection and adjustments
- Adopt a growth mindset
Conclusion
Lifelong learning is something we should all participate in. The are many benefits and you have the opportunity to shape your own learning.
If you feel tired of slaving away in the pursuit of knowledge, but if you want to figure out how to fall back in love with learning, this article will give you a step-by-step guide.