Be a lifelong learner.
Have you ever heard someone give this advice, or seen it listed as a desired skill on a job posting? Becoming a lifelong learner may sound daunting, especially if you’re someone who didn’t care for the formal setting of a traditional classroom. But becoming a lifelong learner is more important for our ever changing world.
When you think of learning, what comes to mind? A classroom filled with desks? A corporate training room where someone in a suit leads a discussion? Or a teacher sitting with your child at the piano helping her pick out those first notes..
Whatever your definition, there are countless ways to learn new things, both for personal enjoyment and professional development.
WHY BEING A LIFELONG LEARNER IS SO IMPORTANT
According to a 2015 article by Matt Mayberry on Entrepreneur.com, traditional learning is only the first step. He says:
” Traditional, structured education is very important, yet much success is derived from highly motivated individuals that have dedicated their lives to the concept of lifelong learning. These individuals prioritize the creation of time in their busy lives each day to educate themselves on new concepts and ideas. These individuals understand the importance of creating plentiful opportunities in all spheres of life.”
Formal education is a good place to start. But being a lifelong learner means you value more than basic knowledge or job skills. It means you take time to explore new ideas, think critically about what you’ve learned, and make time to explore new things.
Partly because of technology, and partly because of how traditional work places and families have changed, learning new skills, strategies, and even hobbies or self-care can be done in a variety of ways. This learning includes job specific skills like new computer programs and business methods, as well as things like health/nutrition, entrepreneurship, DIY home repair, and so on.
HOW CAN YOU KEEP LEARNING?
When it comes to learning, there are so many options. Depending on what you want to learn and how you learn best, here are many ways to try something new each day.
1. College Courses (Either on campus or online)
Whether you’re going back to school to earn a degree, or taking one course, formal classes offer more structured learning. Many universities and community colleges offer both on-campus and online courses. You can take everything from degree required classes to personal finance to watercolor painting. The downside of these classes is the cost and time involved. But these courses can advance you toward bigger goals in terms of earning a degree. and they provide more structure and accountability. Also, the chance to ask questions and discuss topics with others can help you learn even more than trying something on your own.
2. Video Courses
If a full term class isn’t your thing, or you want a course that’s targeted to a more specific topic, there are countless online courses. They are offered through colleges, libraries, online influencers, churches, and bloggers. Depending on your budget, some courses are free, while more in depth courses can get a little pricey based on the level of content. The benefits of video courses is that you can go through them at your own pace. Unless it’s a live training, you can work through each lesson when it’s convenient for your schedule.
3. Blogs and Podcasts
For shorter form content, blogs and podcasts are the perfect tool for learning. There are options for pretty much any subject. Doing a quick online search of “Blogs about clothes for dogs,” and you’ll come up with a pretty good list. The same applies to podcasts. A search of your topic on your preferred podcast platform will give you a variety of options. And, if you know of a specific person/website that has a podcast, you can often go directly to their website for links to their podcast. A downside of blogs and podcasts is simply the sheer volume. There so many out there that it can be hard to find quality content. Ask others interested in your topic to recommend their favorites to help you narrow down your search.
4. Online Tutorials
Thanks to formats like YouTube, anyone can post a video demonstrating something they do. And while most of YouTube is random people doing random things, there are plenty of videos that can help you learn a new skill or provide needed information. You can search videos from certified professionals in organizing, teachers giving lessons parents can use for summer educational games, or even learn how to play basic songs on the guitar. Like podcasts and blogs, the downside here is the sheer number of videos. You can get sucked into a black hole of watching videos on how to pack for a trip. Using specific key terms, or subscribing to specific channels from known websites/speakers can help narrow down your choices.
5. Books
Books are still one of the best, and most convenient ways to learn something new. Whether you read a physical book or an e-book, or listen to an audio book, there are books on pretty much every topic imaginable. I know finding time to read can be tough, but with even 15 minutes a day, you can pick up little pieces of information that add up overtime. And if you have a long work commute, or are traveling, audio books are a great option to take in the information while you’re on the go. While purchasing books in any form does require a little investment, the cost is usually minimal. And there’s always libraries for borrowing free books, many of which now offer borrowing digital content as well. I also suggest checking out local garage sales or thrift stores. While you might have to search the piles a little, you can find some great book bargains.
6. Conversations
The easiest, and cheapest (because it’s FREE) way to learn is through conversations. Real talk with real people, in person if possible but otherwise through phone calls or video chats. Talking with people about their personal stories, interests, and challenges is a perfect way to learn. You learn about the things that matter to them; they become your teacher. Often, you’ll also discover topics or ideas that you want to explore for yourself. As a bonus, ask a local nursing home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility if you can volunteer simply as someone residents and patients can talk to. Not as a therapist or medical consultant, but simply as someone they can chat with about their families and/or events in their lives.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
Whether you want to learn a new skill in order to try for that promotion at work, or you want to learn how to take better photographs for your family vacation, learning new things helps keep your mind sharp and allows you to explore all kinds of interests. Learning new things – physical skills, creativity, and critical thinking – doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. There are simple ways you can learn something every day.
**Is there something you’d like to learn? How can you start learning today?**
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