Self-Learning | Not A Cliché
When it comes to individual development, Self-Learning is probably the most underrated process that holds immense value. But has the concept evolved so much, that it's almost considered a cliché? I tend to disagree. To start off, here's the definition:
? Self-learning is an approach to learning where the individual makes the effort to identify their own learning needs, set learning goals, find the necessary resources, and evaluate their own knowledge. (Source - Creately )
The most crucial aspect of self-learning is to be able to differentiate when it is sufficient in order to achieve success & when to move beyond and seek help. Unfortunately, most of us lack the wisdom to know the difference. It's perfectly normal; we're all learners.
I'd like to share some real-life instances from my career to foster originality into this post, otherwise, this might as well be an article taken off the internet (and we know there's a lot out there).
Starting off with a few failed attempts:
? 2006, I couldn't make it to any of the reputed engineering colleges in India, simply because I resorted to self-learning and didn't seek help at the right time
? 2010, while working full-time at L&T Technology Services , I studied for CAT (Common Admission Test); as you can see from my profile, I don't hold an #mba degree from any of the IIMs
? 2014, I nominated myself for being an internal quality auditor at Stryker ; didn't make it as I lacked subject knowledge & relied on self-learning
? 2019, to help working with data at GreyOrange , I wanted to learn Power BI ; went solo, tinkered around for months, didn't get any better (probably hampered my performance at work as well)
? The list goes on, but you get the gist.
Topping off with some successes:
? 2008, I learned mechanical design tools such as CATIA , SolidWorks Designer , Creo, a PTC Technology & AutoCad Autodesk on my own to elevate my #productdesign acumen
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? 2013, for tying risk management into my at-present #design profile, I learned Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) & Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) on my own time & later went on to train R&D teams at Stryker and GreyOrange
? 2016, to deviate from the engineering career trajectory, I once again settled for self-learning & got into the MBA program at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
? 2017, I moved into mainstream #productmanagement & literally taught myself #agile #softwaredevelopment, #datascience and #designthinking principles
? In this case, the list does not go on. I'm still learning :)
You can see that if employed wisely, self-learning can do wonders. If we have the right #mindset & commit to being better than we were yesterday, we'll be able to identify & get past a sizeable chunk of #challenges we face.
But the fact that we have to understand is that, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to learning. There are plenty of impacting variables that either help or hamper the process such as #relevance, #content, #goals and most importantly, #efforts. And rules of engagement are largely similar in both personal & professional arenas.
So if you're contemplating breaking into a new #careerpath, learning to play guitar or honing that #breadwinner skill of yours, take a step back and reflect on the #learningpath you wish to take. It's not a cliché.
?Don't rush & enroll yourself into the much-talked-about certification programs, just because others in your field of work boast them on their resumes.
? Seek guidance from peers, experts, family and subscribe to relevance.
For those of you who know me personally, know that I am an avid traveller and a high-altitude mountain climber. There's a saying that I always held close & it relates to the concept of learning aptly - If you think you've peaked, find a new mountain.
Happy Learning!!!