Learning 4.0

We invest so much money in entertainment, no wonder why entertainers are tremendously rich. We spend on Movies, Netflix, Fancy Restaurants, and many such. Indeed, We ignore our health which is lost once lost and knowledge that we can gain. 

We do have great dreams, but how far have we reached to fill the gap- between skill and dream, is the actual question to think deeply about. Why not learn more about what interests us and are passionate about, in our free time? I bet, it will be thrilling and satisfying you way far than what entertainment can. 

Learning, in fact, improves the overall cognitive functioning of our brains. It generates new neurons, leading to intelligence, ability to think faster, take better decisions and obviously knowledgeable. 21st century adheres to Darwin’s theory- “Survival of fittest” so as it’s skillset.

“It's not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change”. I find this quote so apt to 21st-century skill-building.

The three skills of the 21st century:

1. Curiosity: Interest to know things, perceive things, learn things, the things which you see on a daily basis, whatever they are and however they are.

2. Fast Learner: We are in an era of information and rapid transformation. We have to diversify ourselves and know a little about a lot of things. Ability to learn quickly is the key.

3. Knowledge: We have a lot of information. We have a lot of people and tools to work and process the data. What’s more important is gaining knowledge and connecting the dots.

“Curiosity helps you to find connect things, learning enhances your skill set, and your knowledge drives a change. ”

As technology or workforce, is transforming at a rapid rate, I felt, it’s indeed essential in transforming ourselves at the same rate and these will help us do better, making us fittest of surviving. Yes, I understand, that’s very generic, and our minds would ask What exactly can we learn? I would rephrase this- “what not?!”. 

Let’s go futuristic. The technologies are rapidly transforming under business 4.0. The technologies that are currently in research and considered the future are- IoT, Data science (Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Deep learning & neural networks), Robotics, Electric Vehicles, solar technologies, and automation technologies. Any learning on these technology domains are worth it and would help you in the short term as well as in the long run. 

I was wondering today, about great thinkers, leaders, and innovators like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. and realized that, apart from their growth mindset, extraordinary determination and passion, they started their journey with a technical expertise. The technical expertise helped them to identify real-life business problems and develop solutions for those problems- Starting from commercial software to rockets that return to earth. Yes, we need to open our mindsets, and that begins with opening ourselves to learning. 

Where can I start? Our investments are worth it when we invest in our self-growth. There are various learning platforms available and many like Udemy, CourseEra, Lynda, offer certifications are very less cost. If you have a dream, a passion, and a gap, is someone required you to help those gaps? Or I believe in -“there must always be a way when there’s a will.”

In addition to three skills of the 21st century, "Going futuristic" are four strong pillars of learning 4.0.

Is there a framework? Of course yes! I call it "Positive Learning Attitude". It will help you to gain skills as well as market it.

Here’s success mantra I embrace:

Ambition + Written goals + Inspiration + Perspiration + Learning + Consistency + Mentorship + Tracking + Connecting the dots + Communication skills = SUCCESS. 

I would strictly recommend to read the books- How to win friends and Influence people, Compound effect, Subtle art of Not Giving a f*ck, 5 level of Leadership, 7 habits of highly effective people, Rich dad & Poor dad, Think and grow rich, The alchemist & Wings of fire as a must-read and kick-starter. These books help us to develop a good attitude, communication skills, negotiation skills and helps us to develop our personality. To be honest, the above-mentioned factors require several books to fetch you a mindset and perspective of what it is to put into action! And, with that, I believe you will attract the right people, many more right books and the right skills!

There’s no luck game. All your talents might fade away. Your ambiance, Your attitude, and the way you perceive things decide your success. That's the Positive Learning Attitude's core intention. You train your mind to learn from anything in anytime. 

Thus, Learning 4.0 shortly is:

1. Curiosity

2. Ability to learn faster 

3. Knowledge.

4. Futuristic, 

having the PLA framework.

Keep learning. Fill gaps. No regrets. 

Sairam.