The Hidden Curriculum: Mastering the Art of Lifelong Learning in a Degree-Obsessed World

Forget what you thought you knew about education. Discover the secret syllabus that successful professionals used to stay ahead in today's ever-changing job market.

Almost a decade ago, I stumbled upon a book that would forever change my perspective on education. "What They Won't Teach You in School" by Jossy Jonacs opened my eyes to a world beyond textbooks and lectures. Little did I know, this discovery would set me on a path to unlearning and relearning everything I thought I knew about success.

As I delved deeper into it, I began to see the stark contrast between schooling and true education. I realized that my degree, while valuable, was just the beginning of my learning journey.

The real world, I discovered, cared less about my GPA and more about my ability to adapt, innovate, and continuously improve. This realization led me to seek out unconventional wisdom and experiences that no traditional classroom could offer.

Here are a few lessons that stood out to me:

? The first lesson is that school isn't a SCAM, school is like a mental gym, where we get to exercise and liberate our minds, providing a platform for building skills like #critical thinking, #high order thinking (HOT) and #analytical skills. School isn't a trap; it's a launchpad.

Our degrees don't define us; our ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn does.

? This understanding led me to the second crucial lesson: the power of #self-improvement. I learned that the most valuable skill one can cultivate is the ability to continuously grow and adapt. It's about pushing beyond formal education, embracing new challenges, and developing leadership skills, starting with self-leadership. I made self-improvement a conscious, daily effort, constantly pushing my boundaries.

? The third lesson came from the biblical story of Joseph. This "Joseph Principle" taught me the importance of excelling wherever I found myself, regardless of circumstances. I saw how personal growth could lead to professional advancement, and I embraced the power of adaptability and continuous improvement. I began to ask myself regularly: "How can I improve my current role or situation, even if it's not my dream job?"

? This mindset shift led to the fourth lesson: understanding the difference between employment and employability. In today's job market, it's not just about having a job, but being highly employable. I focused on developing a diverse skill set, cultivating creativity and problem-solving abilities, and building a strong professional network. I realized that companies are increasingly seeking individuals who can add value and innovate, not just fill a position.

?The fifth lesson was mastering the art of observation and learning. I discovered that successful people are keen observers and quick learners. I started paying more attention to my environment and others' behaviors, opening myself up to feedback and criticism, and continuously researching to stay updated in my field. I often reflected on when I last learned something that challenged my perspective.

? Finally, I stumbled upon a counterintuitive but powerful lesson: the importance of thinking time. I was reminded of a striking observation about the pace of life in different cultures.

The lesson I learned from amazing thought leader Kingsley Okonkwo pointed out a crucial difference between the constant hustle in Africa, particularly Nigeria, and the more measured approach in some other countries.

He noted that if you see a Chinese person rushing, they might be hurrying to mass-produce something they've just discovered. If a Japanese person is on the move, they could be racing to invent something new. An American might be rushing to develop or innovate. But when you see a Nigerian in a hurry, it's often part of an aimless rat race.

I was challenged by this poignant question: "Where are you running to?

You're not developing anything. You barely even have electricity at home where you're rushing to.

??This observation hit home for me. It made me realize how often we confuse busyness with productivity. In our rush to appear hardworking, we often neglect the crucial task of strategic thinking. We're so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to pause and consider the bigger picture.

By slowing down and making space for deep thought, we open ourselves up to new ideas, innovations, and solutions that we might miss in our constant rush. This kind of strategic pause can actually propel us forward more effectively than blindly running on the hamster wheel of busyness.

So, the next time you find yourself rushing, take a moment to ask yourself: "Why am I running? What am I developing or creating with this energy?" If the answer isn't clear, it might be time to slow down and invest in some quality thinking time.

The Hidden curriculum - the one not taught in schools but essential for success - is all about #continuous self-improvement, keen observation, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of a quote from the book that started it all: "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey

So, let me ask you: How are you educating yourself today? Remember, in the race of life, the learning never stops. The real question is, are you still in the race?

P.S. I'm excited to continue this learning journey at the upcoming Gen Z Summit Africa , tagged "The Intersection"- a confluence of emerging young innovators in media, tech and entrepreneurship with my amazing sis Yinka David-Kaiyewu , with amazing lineup of lovely speakers.

Want to join me and discover more about the hidden curriculum of success?

#LifelongLearning #CareerDevelopment #HiddenCurriculum #PersonalGrowth #GenZSummit