While some people would like to think that learning and changing are things only younger people need to worry about, nothing could be further from the truth.
Personal growth and developing is actually something you should worry about at all times, no matter your age. At different stages of our life we need to learn different things. A sense of curiosity about the world around us keeps us interesting and involved.
Lifelong learning can benefit you at all stages and should be something you strive for at all points in your life. Learning does not have to be formal as in going to college or attaining different degrees.
Lifelong learning is as simple as trying something new and expanding outside our comfort zone. Doing more reading, understanding other perspectives.
Reason #1: You Will Be Better Prepared to Deal with Challenges
When you value learning and growing throughout your life, you see opportunities instead of challenges, which makes you better prepared for facing the obstacles that life will throw at you. When you are faced with unexpected outcomes, your ability to learn will help you stretch your comfort zone and find new opportunities instead of wallow in unfortunate circumstances.
When you have more knowledge, you feel more in control of yourself and your own progress.
Reason #2: You Will be Better Prepared for the Changes of the World
The world is continually changing and evolving, and if you do not try to keep up, you can soon get left behind. Whether it is technology, world events, economics, or just the skills needed to survive in the world, it is vital to stay fresh and always be learning about the latest thing. The more you know, the more prepared you are for changes and can more easily keep up with life and the fast-paced world.
Are you old enough to remember when the World Wide Web was first introduced? I remember thinking all the knowledge that is out there—this is wonderful. A woman I know said this internet was evil and would lead to the destruction of life as we knew it.
Two different viewpoints and to some extent there is truth and value in both, but which is more productive?
Reason #3: You Will Feel More Confident
When you are good at what you do, you feel confident in yourself. Lifelong learning and the ability to keep growing can help you master your capabilities and raise your self-esteem throughout your life. When you feel confident, you are more likely to succeed and to take more risks, which can bring you more significant rewards.
When you believe you are capable of learning whatever you need to know, you have a growth mindset. This means you believe you are able to constantly grow your own talents through your efforts and are not limited.
Reason #4: You Will Be More Employable
The days of one career in a lifetime are over, and we all need to keep learning to survive in an ever-changing job market. If you want to stay employable as well as continue to advance in your chosen field, then continuing to learn and grow is imperative.
Knowledge and skills need to grow with your industry, and at some point, you might change careers altogether, so your ability to learn will come in handy when you do. Employers today want people who can learn, not people who think they already know everything.
I was an accountant for 20 years before changing careers and becoming a high school teacher. It had been my lifelong dream to teach but I felt I was not smart enough to be successful. I could kick myself now to let 20 years pass before I even tried but I held myself back.
And if you goal is to employ yourself and create an online business, then you still will need to learn a lot of things to be successful. Especially if you are a solo entrepreneur, you will need to learn all types of platforms, tools, how to create videos, how to set up a website—the list goes on. Even if you hire out some jobs, you still need to know if the job is done correctly.
Reason #5: You Will Be More Socially Aware
Only when you intentionally seek out perspectives and viewpoints different from your own can you increase your empathy and social awareness. If you want to know more about the world and make a difference in your community, then you must be willing to learn about the problems that people face and to find solutions that can help.
Many years ago I took a trip to Ireland. After a long day touring around while I was relaxing in the room, the news came on. The story was about trade policies in the United States and how this would affect Irish monetary policies. I had never thought about how my countries politics affects individuals in other countries. This helped me be more informed as a voter and more involved in community projects.
Reason #6: You Can Value and Understand Different Perspectives
Instead of thinking you already know it all, continuous learning helps you see that you can gain a great deal from other people. Knowledge helps you understand different viewpoints, solutions, and perspectives, and the more you know, the more you value that others have different ideas from you.
Only when you are open to learning can you truly change who you are and what you believe. And I believe that all of are capable of change and want to be better versions of ourselves.
Reason #7: You Can Share Your Knowledge with Others
Those who value lifelong learning appreciate the opportunity to share what they know with others. They enjoy teaching as well as learning. When you help others learn, you become a leader and apply your knowledge in new and more profound ways that strengthen your understanding.
Being a continuous learner means that you want others to continue learning, as well. It makes us more interesting. As you learn more and begin to share with others, this can be an additional revenue stream to have webinars and trainings to help others.
Reason #8: You Will Live Longer
Studies show that those who continue to be mentally active throughout their lives will live longer and be much more fulfilled in their later years. And not only will you live longer but you will live a more healthy life.
Did you know that continuing to learn, enjoy new hobbies, challenge yourself mentally will help your brain stay alert. I won’t go so far as to say it will help prevent dementia but Stanford Health says it. When we keep exercising our brains (like any muscle) it increases blood flow and promotes the growth of new brain cells.
Learning gives you a purpose and helps you stay healthy. What are you learning now and what do you plan to learn in the near future?
Your mind and minset plan a crucial role in being successful. Read the blog : 8 MINDSET MISTAKES THAT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS.
Try making a list of everything you want to learn over the next 6 months. Once you begin exploring new topics you will surprise yourself.