Change is inevitable … and continuous learning is one of the most effective ways of dealing with change.
Learning is critical to our existence. In the same way that food nourishes our bodies, continuous learning nourishes our minds. Lifelong learning is an indispensable tool for every career and organisation.
So, what is continuous learning?
Continuous learning is your self-motivated persistence in acquiring knowledge and competencies in order to expand your skill set and develop future opportunities. It forms part of your personal and professional development in an effort to avoid a downturn and reach your full potential.
Seven (plus one) benefits of lifelong learning:
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- Remain relevant – don’t be left behind, keep up-to-date and remain valuable
- Prepare for the unexpected – increase your flexibility and adaptability
- Boost your profile – learning means improving and growing your career
- Competence leads to confidence – mastering new things increases confidence
- Spark new ideas – new skills lead to new opportunities and innovative solutions
- Change your perspective and social awareness – open your mind to new ideas and change your attitude
- Pay it forward – continuous learning not only benefits you, but also other individuals you encounter
+1. Live longer … health research has pointed to lifelong learning as one of the best ways for you to stay healthy. An active mind throughout your life will help you to live longer and healthier (and more satisfied)
Take the extra step for actively learning new skills:
- Schedule your time – get into the habit of reading
- Network – build a network of go-to experts and ask questions or become a member of an association related to your work and initiate networking
- Learn by teaching someone else
- Conduct your own research and investigations
- Be observant in your surroundings
- Evaluate and reflect on what you’ve learned
- Apply what you’ve learned
“Learning is never cumulative, it is a movement of knowing which has no beginning and no end”, Bruce Lee.