They say - you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well, we say nonsense! Learning should never stop, no matter how firmly in adulthood we are. Making time for learning new skills gives a sense of progress and keeps life feeling vibrant versus falling into ruts.
Nowadays, resting on our laurels isn't an option if we want to keep up and reach our personal goals as well as professional growth.
Lifelong learning is absolutely essential.
What exactly is lifelong learning, though? It's the process of gaining knowledge and skills throughout all stages of life from early on through our senior years. Learning keeps our minds flexible versus rigid, increases self-confidence, and allows us to better adapt to changes.
Sounds appealing? Of course! Here's just a taste of why lifelong learning should be a cornerstone of balanced living:
Boosts Mental Health
Challenging ourselves to gain new knowledge or skills has definitive mental health advantages like improved memory, focus, processing speed, and verbal fluency as we age. It quite literally helps strengthen and build new neural pathways in the brain.
Learning prevents mental decline and is believed to possibly delay the onset of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia. Those are some excellent motivators!
Plus, learning brings sheer joy and confidence to know we as humans are always capable of expanding horizons and conquering perceived limitations at any age. The sense of achievement is infectious.
Some examples of mentally stimulating learning activities:
- Learning new languages
- Picking up new instruments
- Studying trivia
- Board games and strategy card games
- Travel to novel locations
- Reading varied materials like non-fiction books
Mix up your routine and get those neurons firing!
Drives Career Development
The pace of technological developments & the evolution of jobs is lightning-fast these days. Careers that are hot now could easily be automated and obsolete in just 5-10 years!
To stay marketable and recession-proof our skillsets, lifelong learning is 100% necessary. Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate drive, versatility, and the ability to continuously pick up emerging skills.
Make learning a consistent habit, even just an hour a week, always to expand your knowledge base. Over time, you'll discover new professional passions plus have concrete abilities to back them up.
Some prime areas to brush up on:
- Data analysis;
- Coding languages – Python, SQL, JavaScript;
- Microsoft software – Master functions, macros, pivot tables, and other features with courses like https://www.myexcelonline.com/ for bite-sized learning;
- New computer programs – Photoshop, InDesign, Quickbooks;
- Public speaking and presentations;
- Sales and persuasion.
Dedicate time for learning to future-proof your career. Don't stagnate!
Promotes Physical Health
Sure, reading textbooks and studying flashcards might not seem physically rigorous, but using our noggins does correlate strongly with overall wellness.
People who regularly challenge their thinking skills experience faster walking gait speeds and stronger hand grip strength decades later versus those who don't exercise their minds over the years. Pretty neat!
Plus, engaging in intellectually stimulating hobbies like learning an instrument or a new language has been shown to decrease blood pressure levels and risk for heart disease.
Lastly, participating in group classes gets our socially isolated butts off the couch into enriching environments around others. Even online courses connect us remotely. This sense of purpose and community is so uplifting.
Feed your mind, and the body benefits, too!
Sparks Creativity
Have you ever felt stuck in a major creative rut, either personally or professionally? Maybe you used to be an avid hobbyist who lost inspiration somewhere along the way to adult responsibilities. It happens!
Pushing beyond your comfort zone to gain new knowledge or skills in unfamiliar areas has a proven way of igniting those creative fires and getting unstuck.
Experimenting with creative mediums like painting, photography, writing, pottery – any hobby that intrigues you – builds neural connectivity that actually boosts creative thinking and problem-solving across ALL aspects of life. Plus, it's super fun and meditative!
Sign up for in-person or online classes, watch some YouTube tutorials, and join a local hobby group. Invest time exploring creative outlets you've always wondered about. You never know what hidden talents you'll uncover or how drastically they can improve your mindset.
Allows Us to Pay It Forward
A beautiful reciprocal benefit of investing time and energy into our own lifelong learning is that it naturally motivates us to share knowledge with others.
As we gain life experience, progress in careers, and discover new passions – why not pass lessons along to lift up someone else?
Maybe that looks like mentoring younger generations in your workplace, participating in skills-based volunteer work abroad, teaching digital skills to senior citizens at your local community center, or running workshops related to the expertise you've built.
Opening our minds through learning makes us more in tune with ways we can uniquely make an impact based on our evolving capabilities. It's empowering!
Wrap-up
Dream big and get curious about a topic you've always wanted to dive into but haven't made time for. What's holding you back? Carpe Diem! Your future self with thank you.
