Why You Should Commit to Being a Lifelong Learner

“Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”–Jim Rohn

Lifelong learning is the key to unlocking success, satisfaction, and fulfillment. It occurs when a person intentionally seeks knowledge extending beyond compulsory education. Lifelong learners are self-leaders, self-starters, and self-motivated individuals embarking on voluntary and ongoing personal and professional development pursuits.

​Let’s look at the benefits of ongoing learning and discuss how you can cultivate this secret of success.

Lifelong learners enjoy many physical, social, and emotional benefits. Here are 10 rewards ongoing education provides:

You can propel your career forward by staying updated on the latest information in your industry. Lifelong learning can help you upskill for a more remarkable career trajectory and increased leadership roles.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”–John F. Kennedy

Pursuing knowledge gives you something to look forward to. Also, successfully learning a new skill or fact fills you with pride and satisfaction and spurs you to keep learning.

Newfound knowledge helps you understand people and concepts, recognize passions, hone skills, and boost creativity. You can utilize these attributes to create the meaningful life you want.

Learning new things is an exercise for your brain. That exercise keeps your brain younger and healthier. It also engages processes that improve your cognitive skills, like memory functions, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Delve into exciting topics or those you find essential for your life or career to exercise your mind.

Lifelong learning increases opportunities to meet others and develop deeper social connections. Lifelong learners typically join book clubs, classes, hobby groups, or social or professional organizations to share their interests. As a bonus, holding conversations at these gatherings becomes easier as one expands their knowledge.

Choosing ongoing education in life or career leads to personal fulfillment. You’ll feel empowered as you put your knowledge into action to achieve your objectives. Learning can also help prevent burnout in your job. Learning can help you take more ownership in career advancement.

Like a child who just got the hang of reading or understood a math concept for the first time, education builds confidence and self-esteem. Seeing your dedication and hard work pay off feels good. Achievements lead to more achievements.

You become better at making decisions when you are well-read and knowledgeable.

Lifelong learning leads to a better understanding of people and the world around you. No matter how small or homogenous your community is, learning about things happening outside of it helps open up your thinking and challenge your beliefs and ideas.

Your world opens up to more opportunities when you increase your understanding. Knowledge produces appropriate actions that give way to more favorable outcomes in your life and career.

Adopting lifelong learning means you choose to pursue learning opportunities beyond compulsory education. You can decide to learn more about personal interests, like hobbies or topics you enjoy. You can also utilize continuing education programs for career advancement. Some education provides transferable skills to use in many different facets of life. Below are some tips for adopting lifelong learning.

Stay curious and explore your passions. Join groups built around your interests. Surround yourself with other lifelong learners to remain like them. We become like those we hang around.

Books make great starting points for anyone wanting to continue learning. In addition, book clubs are a great way to solidify the information you’re reading and turn your education into an engaging social experience. Consider joining online book clubs about business, mindset, success, or self-help topics. Fiction books also make for great learning–from creative writing techniques to spelling and punctuation.

​Books aren’t your only source of useful information. Magazines, periodicals, industry publications, and online articles can help you hone your expertise on anything. Consider listening to audiobooks to fit more “reading” into your schedule.

“All the secrets of the world are contained in books.”–Lemony Snicket

Learn from the comfort of your home, on your work break, during your daily commute, or anywhere you have an internet connection through an e-learning course or webinar. Consider online or in-person training courses for a more structured, classroom-like approach.

Soak up educational content by listening as you go about your busy day.

Attend conferences pertaining to your current career or one you aspire to. Your workplace may pay for your ticket.

Professional and hobby groups can help you improve the social aspect of lifelong learning while increasing your understanding of certain topics.

You need your body and brain to work harmoniously. Eat healthy food, exercise your body, and get good-quality sleep. You’ll have more energy and a sound mind to pursue all the learning life offers.

You make time for whatever you deem most important. With all the personal and professional benefits of lifelong learning, you’ll want to make room for this secret of success in your schedule.

Don’t wish for a learning mindset. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals to make it happen. This approach helps you create intentions that aren’t too challenging or easy. Write down the things you want to learn. Turn them into manageable, bite-sized chunks and get started. Setting SMART goals will also help you visualize your achievement and track your progress. Start with consistent habits like exploring your curiosities and reading routinely. The ripple effects of small changes add up to significant improvements.

Embrace a growth and learning mindset. Anyone of any age, educational background, and skill level can choose to grow in understanding. Many find learning outside compulsory education more fun because they can learn at their own pace and tailor it to their interests. In addition to the fun of it, lifelong learners enjoy a multitude of advantages.

​Finally, share your knowledge with others. You’ll retain more of what you learned when you do and gain additional understanding from others.

“It is a well-known fact that a man learns best that which he endeavors to teach others.”–Napoleon Hill