How to be a life-long Learner

We all associate different things with the word learning. You remember when you were in school and could not wait to get out of school so you could stop learning. Learning at some points in my life felt like a chore. However, I now see learning differently. Learning new things is crucial for me to achieve the goals I want to accomplish in my life.
 
In this blog post, we will cover the benefits of continuous learning and how to be a life-long learner.
 
What are the benefits of continuous learning?
There are many positive effects of being a life-long learner. Some of the benefits include:

• Providing avenues for personal development, self-empowerment and self-improvement
• Improving your opportunity to get a raise, promotion and other career advancement opportunities
• Building a foundation and preparing for life changes

 
How to be a continuous Learner
Let's discuss some ways to become a life-long learner:
 
Change your thoughts and perspectives on learning
A lot of times people talk about learning as something they have to do. Mostly because the world outside expects them to get some training or degrees.  Often this goes back to our childhoods when our parents made us go to school and sometimes forced us to learn things. The great thing about being an adult is that you now get to choose and learn what you want to learn. As we grow and develop on our journey there are always new things that we can learn . I see learning as a tool that helps me live out my dreams and achieve my goals.
 
Questions to consider

• How do you view learning today?
• What are some positive things that you have experienced after learning new things?
  

 
Find out the way you learn
There are many different learning styles. Some of which include visual learners who learn through graphical depictions, aural learners who learn through listening to instruction, read/write learners who learn through reading texts and taking notes, kinesthetic learners who learn through trying things out or multimodal learners who learn through different ways. For me, I have found that I learn best by reading, writing, taking formal lessons.
 
Questions to consider

• What was the last thing you learned and how did you learn it?
• What new learning methods do you want to explore?

 
Create learning goals routines and habits
Setting learning goals is a strategy that will help you be a life-long learner. I am a strong believer that when you plan for things you increase your chances for success. Learning and development are a standing category in my yearly goals. When I prepare for the year, I look at my goals and determine the new things I want to learn to help me be more successful. Once I know what I want to learn, I plan for them and start learning. I work to learn something new every quarter through trainings, courses, reading and trying out new things.
 
Questions to consider

• What are the three new things that you want to learn this year?
• How will you ensure you learn them?

 
Surround yourself with people who have a learning mindset
Interestingly, I have found that other people motivate me to learn as well. In all my classes, I have met great people who became learning buddies who keep me posted on things they are learning and learn with me as well. It is vital to surround yourself with people who do the things you aspire to do more of. I share my learning goals with my community and learn a lot from them as well. 
 
Questions to consider

• Who are some people in your community that prioritize learning?
• How are you planning to partner with other learners?

 
Prioritize learning and keep learning
As part of your personal development journey, make it a priority to continue learning. As you grow and experience new things, if you make learning one of the central points, you will thrive even more. Now that you know the best ways you learn and what you want to learn in 2020, make it happen. As with everything we get better the more we do it.
 
Questions to consider

• How will you make learning a priority in 2020?
• How will you motivate yourself to learn more?

 
Call to Action
Are you committed to continuously learn in 2020? Make the decision and do great things.
 
Final thoughts

• We have the opportunity to improve our lives through continuous learnings.
• Learning can be fun if you find the value for yourself and enjoy it.
• There is a lot for us to learn - keep learning.

 
Great Resources

• 4 Habits of People Who Are Always Learning New Skills
• Become a More Productive Learner
• You Learn One of These 5 Ways
• Learning Styles
• How to Create a Habit of Continuous Learning