Are You a Lifelong Learner?

When we talk about learning (education) many of us may cringe as it takes us back to a place filled with books, desks, writing assignments, exams, and the occasional detention (Sorry Ms. Dobbins).? If you were like me, you couldn’t wait to toss the cap while doing my best Clark Kent impersonation as I transitioned out of my gown into my superhero costume, ready to tackle the world.? However, education isn’t a destination that culminates at graduation leaving us fully prepared for what the world has in store, but rather a path that meanders throughout life, albeit in different forms.??

A lifelong learner is someone that consistently engages in thought-provoking ideas or concepts through any platform in an effort toward deeper understanding.? The learning that I’m speaking of can be higher education, books, articles, free online courses, OJT, YouTube, etc.? Please don’t think that because you don’t have the money to obtain your doctorate that you can’t learn something new.? There’s a multitude of free opportunities to learn new skills which is the equivalent to landing on the ladder in one of my favorite childhood games - Chutes and Ladders.? However, there is a catch - you have to show up and put the work in.??

With the advancements in technology, the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner are too numerous to count.? As we age our perspectives on life, business, and relationships change and that perspective is based on two factors: knowledge and experience.? As our world evolves we determine the lens by which we see it based on perspective.? Experiences will come and go, both good and bad which is a part of our perspective.? However, gaining knowledge through learning is a choice and significantly stunts perspective if not coupled with experience.? Perspective is like a bicycle where each wheel is learning and experience respectively.? Fashioned together with the right gears, brakes, handlebars, etc you can make good time.? Conversely, a unicycle is not only difficult to ride but much slower than a bicycle.? I believe the analogy gives you a good understanding of the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner.?

You may be thinking, ‘This all sounds really good, but I have no idea where to start’.? Here are some tips to start exercising your learning muscle.? Take a look at your areas of interest for inspiration as this will be a much easier launching pad for success.? What are some interests that have always captured your imagination but you always push to the side?? Then begin your search for free online courses (there are even some at Harvard), buy a book, join a club, watch YouTube videos, etc.? There are so many ways that you can bolster your knowledge it’s unfathomable why you wouldn’t take advantage of these resources.? Learning is truly no different than going to the gym, if you want to get stronger you have to go to the gym (exercise implied).? If you want to become more knowledgable you have to start learning.??

In conclusion, the importance of being a lifelong learner in today's world is paramount to achieving the things that you want to achieve faster.? We all have choices to make, are we going to continue to scroll through mindless content or spend that time wisely by investing in our future, and our children's future through becoming a lifelong learner.??