Lifelong learning is often discussed on blogs and in the mainstream media. We hear of its importance to success in jobs, business, and in life. Very few people really talk about what lifelong learning involves or how to start on the journey to greater knowledge.
The lifelong learning voyage of discovery can be broken down into three general categories. The first part involves the learning process itself. The second part is all about becoming an expert in your chosen field. The third and possibly the most important part is to share your knowledge with others and to guide their paths to success. Taken together, all three parts of the voyage form a holistic approach to lifelong learning.
Learning never stops
We learn new ideas and skills all of our lives. As we move from early childhood, through the educational system, and into our careers and businesses, we continue to learn every day. The old saw about learning something new every day is very true. It's important to be open to new ideas as we move through our life journey. Failure to continue the learning process is to invite stagnation or even disaster into our lives.
We learn from others who have already trod the same paths. Talk to the experts in your areas of interest and listen to what they have to say. Ask good questions and pay attention to their responses. Offer to help them in return, and very often, a mutual friendship is born. People like to help others, and are happy to share their accumulated wisdom. Their fresh perspectives on your problems in business and in life can be crucial to your success.
Buy and read books
Never stop buying and reading books, whether they are related to your business or career, or if they are classic novels. All great writers have ideas and timeless wisdom to share. When you think about it, an entire world exists between the covers of a book. Reading widely and in many subject areas opens worlds and universes never before imagined. Reading is a key to lifelong learning, and should be a part of your life. Set aside a special hour each day for reading books. The return on that time investment is enormous.
Become an expert
Become an expert in your business or career industry; and in your hobbies and interests in life. As an expert, your abilities will be sought by employers or clients in the business world. Your skills will be welcomed by others who share your hobbies or your daily life. As you develop your expertise, your self confidence grows as well. You will be more willing and able to accept business and life challenges, as you will be armed with the knowledge to solve potential problems. Blogging helps to establish a person as an expert, and to meet and learn from other experts as well.
Share your knowledge
An often overlooked aspect of lifelong learning is the importance of sharing one's knowledge and ideas with others. Assisting others along their paths to success is a learning experience as well. Not only do we teach other people what we have learned in life, but we tap into their wisdom and ideas as well.
Helping and mentoring others is as much of a learning experience as it is a teaching role. Knowledge flows in both directions. The more you teach, the more you learn from others. The teacher is the student and the student is also the teacher in the voyage of lifelong learning.
Lifelong learning is about never resting on your laurels. It's about welcoming new people and new ideas into your life. It's about mentoring and sharing your expertise with other people. Help others and they will help you; and everyone's path to success becomes more enjoyable and rewarding.
Friends make the lifelong learning journey a most pleasant one indeed.
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