Our world is changing at an incredible speed, and so does the labor market. Unfortunately, no one’s career is stable these days. While digital innovation and globalization reshape our reality, each of us needs to grow, adapt and never stop learning. After all, professional and personal success greatly depends on it.
Those who are studying usually think big. They experiment with new ideas and approaches and are ready to accept criticism. They are always looking for new experiences and aren’t afraid to take risks and make mistakes.
Thus, learning becomes a lifelong habit. But how do you develop it? In this article, we are exploring some cool ways of doing that. But let’s start with the main question: why do we need to learn all the time?
Reasons For Lifelong Learning
1. Better Health
There is growing evidence that learning is a kind of protective factor against depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. To avoid these illnesses, you need to load your brain. It works the same way as muscles: the longer you train them, the longer they will remain fit.
However, sometimes our brain feels fried with information, and in such cases, we have to prioritize. Thus, more and more people are turning to outsourcing, and for a good reason! After all, when you think: “I need Essaypro to write my essay for me”, experienced authors come to the rescue. They will make any of your papers simply brilliant while you are doing something else. Indeed, with a talented assistant, miracles become a reality.
2. Better Career Opportunities
Even an impressive work experience is not enough to save your job. Especially now, when innovations in various industries appear every day. Those who don’t adapt to professional trends can’t stay competitive; that’s it.
3. New Circle Of Friends
We learn from each other by reading personal blogs and books, communicating online or offline, buying courses, etc. Someone else’s experience can enrich our lives or on the contrary, warn against something. Learning from others’ mistakes is a great skill, too. At the same time, don’t forget that you need to be critical about the information you consume.
And now, let’s move on to our main tips.
Ask Others For Feedback
Of course, it’s always nice to get praise from a boss or colleagues. But how often do you ask them to be honest about your experiences or even criticize you in a constructive way? Seek help from others – you never know where insights can come from!
Remember that it’s important not to take offense at what you’re being told. You need a fresh perspective, whether it’s good or bad.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
We all enjoy using time-tested approaches which guarantee good results. But what if they prevent you from generating new ideas and being creative? Ask yourself: How can I change my strategy? What would others do in my place?
If you stick to the methods that have worked so far, you will be stuck in one place. You won’t be able to move forward. So, try experimenting, document the results, and compare which way works best.
Meet New People
As you may have noticed, in this article, we talk a lot about the willingness to learn from others. So why not make an effort to develop your social and professional skills to the fullest?
The point is to network with specialists from different fields. You may meet outstanding web designers, expert-level trainers, or interesting writers. Having a network of diverse contacts is the fuel you need to never stop growing. There’s a whole new world waiting for you, and your task is to join it!
Don’t Be Afraid To Risk
Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” It may be easy and safe for you to stay in your comfort zone, but you are losing plenty of opportunities. Everyone has their own understanding of risk. For some of us, it means enrolling in a driving course. For others, it’s coming to an exhibition without the usual company of friends or reaching out to a Spanish tutor.
By pushing your boundaries, you get off track and discover a new, unseen part of yourself.
Plan Carefully
Work and household chores take up almost all of our time. As a result, when we have a few free hours, we often spend them lying on the couch watching Netflix. But there’s another way.
Think about what you have always dreamed of. Horseback riding, drawing lessons, marketing studies – all this needs to fit into your schedule. But don’t load your week with all kinds of activities at once. Better introduce them gradually.
Test Yourself
The human mind is lazy and often hides knowledge gaps from us. Yes, you may rely on the Pomodoro technique or practice the Memory Palace method but still not remember much. Therefore, one must take tests, answer questions, and retell interesting facts to friends. And if the necessary information isn’t stored in your head, try to combine the following two techniques.
The first one is switching to another activity to rest. The second is the “easy win” technique. The bottom line is doing what you’re good at – it helps you get the necessary motivation. For example, guessing who the killer is in a detective movie will give you an easy win.
Think Where to Apply Knowledge
Perhaps the best way to consolidate knowledge is to practice it. It will be even more awesome if you can monetize it!
- Have you recently completed an SMM course? Tell your friend that you can promote their Instagram profile;
- Learned tarot? Let people know that you are doing readings now;
- Are you good at drawing? Start creating gift cards – if someone likes it, then word of mouth will do its work;
- Have you studied how Learning Management systems work? Tell your boss about this, as they may offer you to help them implement this tool.
The basic idea is that you can study, combining business with pleasure.
To Wrap It Up
Sometimes, we try to learn something with all our might, but the result is worse than we thought. Perhaps you just chose the wrong learning style? It can be visual (reading and looking through pictures) and auditory (lectures, audiobooks, podcasts). Decide which one suits you best.
The second common mistake is overloading your brain. Remember about a healthy routine, as when we sleep, all the information received is being digested. Plus, scientists have proven that even after a 20-minute walk, brain activity and memory improve significantly. So be sure to take a walk before you start another lecture.
And third, find yourself a partner to make learning more fun. According to a study by Stanford University, people who work in pairs are more motivated. If you are studying online, use all available opportunities to discuss assignments with other students. And you can also come to class with friends. Two heads are better than one, right?