Just the mere word ‘learning’ conjures up images of universities, stressful exams and advanced degrees. But once we’ve graduated, it should all be behind us, right? Wrong.
Lifelong learning helps us master new job skills, enjoy new technologies, grow and express our innate talents. If we stop learning, we stop living, improving and thriving. Yet an alarming 42 percent of graduates stop reading books altogether after college. The first step to lifelong learning is rediscovering how truly fun and rewarding it can be.
Leaders and winners view learning as an integral part of life. No longer a formal student, we gain the freedom to explore topics that really interest us – and this can change from day-to-day or year-to-year.
When we become a parent, we learn how to communicate with a toddler, ‘tween and teen. We set boundaries and instill values. When we pick-up a new hobby, we become enthralled in finding out everything we can about that subject. We learn by doing, practicing, reading and sharing with friends, family and business associates. When we make mistakes, whether in our personal or professional lives, we gain the insight no textbook could effectively convey. When we travel, we experience new cultures and traditions, languages and topographies first-hand. And when we read blogs or news publications, we gain insight into current events, politics, personal finance, sports, arts and entertainment.
Lifelong learning is immensely rewarding, boosting our self-confidence and personal fulfillment. It makes us feel worthwhile and excited. It also improves our physical health and reduces the risk of illness. The most tangible benefit may be that lifelong learning can propel our income. The average person will only increase their salary by two to three percent annually. But top achievers, or those who continually learn and grow, double their income every three to five years.
Let’s look at ten simple ways to weave learning opportunities into our everyday life.
1. Find and accept work that promotes learning. Challenge yourself each day, requesting more responsibility at work and finding solutions that improve current processes.
2. Ask questions. Take the opportunity to learn from others including topic experts, managers, mentors, instructors, friends or coworkers.
3. Step out of your comfort zone. Try new things and meet new people open to sharing their knowledge. Attend networking events and local seminars, seeking opportunities that include associates you already know. Learning opportunities can appear for you when you least expect it.
4. Invest in relevant tools and resources. Read professional journals, trade publications and books, participating in convenient online or offline continuing education courses that interest you.
5. Accept constructive criticism. On occasion, we can learn from constructive criticism. Before debunking hurtful comments, see if you can find a morsel of truth or wisdom hidden within.
6. Teach others. The best way to learn is by teaching others what you know. Share your knowledge with your co-workers, business associates, children and friends.
7. Learn from your mistakes. To err is human. While never intentional, mistakes can catapult growth and self-realization. Ask yourself where you might have gone wrong and how you could avoid the same from happening again in the future.
8. Learn from the mistakes of others. Negative examples can provide a lesson on behaviors to avoid. Learning what not to do can be just as beneficial as learning what to do in a given situation.
9. Apply your knowledge. Take your book knowledge to a completely new level by applying your studies to real world situations. Some of the best lessons in life arrive through practical experience.
10. Stay open-minded. Don’t be afraid to change your mind. Change typically means growth.
Regardless of where you are in life or how much you’ve accomplished, there’s always something new and exciting to learn. So rediscover the joy in lifelong learning. Challenge yourself and follow your passion. When you do, you’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
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