Self-development is a lifelong process and there is no standard route to abide by. However, to be a lifelong learner you need to voluntarily participate in the self-growth journey. A person who engages in self learning is proactive and feels empowered to commit to continuous growth. Learning can occur at all times and in all places. You can acquire all the desired knowledge, skills, understanding and values throughout your lifetime.
If you come to think of it, we all are lifelong learners. Once you complete your formal education, you take up a course to pursue further studies or sign up for skill based training. To apply to an organization you prepare for an interview. You may even take up an internship to get a hands-on experience. After you join the organization, you are constantly learning and adapting to the environment, again you may go through a formal training or you may self learn. Besides working with an organization, you are constantly learning in your daily life. From cooking to riding a bike to driving a car to plumbing to sewing a button to using your phone or appliances, you are constantly learning new skills to be independent.Information is easily available at everyone?s disposal. What differentiates you is how you utilize it in the most efficient way.
The advantages of lifelong learning are as follows:
? It helps to be tech savvy - With the rapid progress in technology you need to stay updated.
? It helps to enhance social skills - You can reach a broader scope of people by exchange of information. Through hobby classes, common interests or with the thirst of exploring new avenues, you will get an opportunity to interact with diverse people.
? It broadens perspective - When exposed to different ways of living and diverse cultures, you will learn to see things from a different perspective.
? It helps to adapt to change - Adaptability is a survival technique. Your ability to change will help you cope with the changing times.
? It boosts self-confidence - Once your level of competence increases, you will have faith in your abilities and this in turn will contribute to a rise in your self-confidence.
? It helps your brain to stay healthy - Learning keeps your brain cells functioning at optimum levels as you age. It helps to prevent the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer?s.
? It keeps you happier - Learning helps to gain a sense of fulfillment. The more fulfilled you are, the happier you will be.
? It benefits the society at large - When you commit to lifelong learning, application of what you?ve learnt is the next step. You can try to use this knowledge and skill to grow as a person and make a difference to the society you live in.
Change is inevitable. Today, organizations are competing with each other and revamping their own processes to standout in the market. They are constantly looking out for the next best thing. Creative disruptions and technological upgrades are required to keep the businesses up and running.
Businesses don?t run by themselves. Even the latest technology is as functional as the superior mind that thought of it and the people who created it. For disruptive innovations, we need ground-breaking ideas. ?Disruptive innovation? is used to describe any product or service which by coming into existence has rendered its predecessor completely useless. Some of the best examples in the music industry are those of cassettes. Cassettes were replaced by CDs, CDs were replaced by mp3 players and mp3 players were replaced by smart phones. Similarly, skill sets need to be upgraded and your knowledge about a certain subject needs to be further explored. Lifelong learning is vital for you to grow in an organization.
Have you heard of the 21/90 rule? It takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to make it a part of your lifestyle. The skills mentioned below will need to first become a habit and then part of your lifestyle, especially if you aim to be a lifelong learner:
? Communication
? Creativity
? Problem Solving
? Motivation
? Discipline
? Determination
? Collaboration
? Financial Skills
? Adaptability
? Healthy Living
? Leadership
? Curiosity
? Reflection
Things you?ll need for this activity:
? Half a chart paper or a double A4 size page
? Sketch pens
? Adult guidance
Discuss your answers and mention it on your chart paper. Let?s begin:
? Set a goal for this year: What did you want to learn since a long time?
? Discuss the purpose of the goal: How will this goal help you and others?
? Break the goal into small steps: Draw a ladder with 4-5 steps. At the top of the ladder i.e. Step 5, mention the goal for the year. From Step 1 to Step 4, mention milestones you need to achieve before you reach the top of the ladder.
For example,
Step 5: Represent your school in an interschool elocution competition.
Step 4: Participate in the elocution competition held in your school.
Step 3: Recite this in front of your class.
Step 2: Learn this essay by heart.
Step 1: Write an essay with the help of your teacher or parent. Read this essay out loud everyday for 21 days in front of the mirror.
? Discuss potential problems that could arise between Step 1 and Step 5:
If you feel like giving up what will you do?
This activity can be used to plan and achieve any goal you desire.
Self-development is a lifelong process and there is no standard route to abide by. However, to be a lifelong learner you need to voluntarily participate in the self-growth journey. A person who engages in self learning is proactive and feels empowered to commit to continuous growth. Learning can occur at all times and in all places. You can acquire all the desired knowledge, skills, understanding and values throughout your lifetime.
If you come to think of it, we all are lifelong learners. Once you complete your formal education, you take up a course to pursue further studies or sign up for skill based training. To apply to an organization you prepare for an interview. You may even take up an internship to get a hands-on experience. After you join the organization, you are constantly learning and adapting to the environment, again you may go through a formal training or you may self learn. Besides working with an organization, you are constantly learning in your daily life. From cooking to riding a bike to driving a car to plumbing to sewing a button to using your phone or appliances, you are constantly learning new skills to be independent.Information is easily available at everyone?s disposal. What differentiates you is how you utilize it in the most efficient way.
The advantages of lifelong learning are as follows:
? It helps to be tech savvy - With the rapid progress in technology you need to stay updated.
? It helps to enhance social skills - You can reach a broader scope of people by exchange of information. Through hobby classes, common interests or with the thirst of exploring new avenues, you will get an opportunity to interact with diverse people.
? It broadens perspective - When exposed to different ways of living and diverse cultures, you will learn to see things from a different perspective.
? It helps to adapt to change - Adaptability is a survival technique. Your ability to change will help you cope with the changing times.
? It boosts self-confidence - Once your level of competence increases, you will have faith in your abilities and this in turn will contribute to a rise in your self-confidence.
? It helps your brain to stay healthy - Learning keeps your brain cells functioning at optimum levels as you age. It helps to prevent the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer?s.
? It keeps you happier - Learning helps to gain a sense of fulfillment. The more fulfilled you are, the happier you will be.
? It benefits the society at large - When you commit to lifelong learning, application of what you?ve learnt is the next step. You can try to use this knowledge and skill to grow as a person and make a difference to the society you live in.
Change is inevitable. Today, organizations are competing with each other and revamping their own processes to standout in the market. They are constantly looking out for the next best thing. Creative disruptions and technological upgrades are required to keep the businesses up and running.
Businesses don?t run by themselves. Even the latest technology is as functional as the superior mind that thought of it and the people who created it. For disruptive innovations, we need ground-breaking ideas. ?Disruptive innovation? is used to describe any product or service which by coming into existence has rendered its predecessor completely useless. Some of the best examples in the music industry are those of cassettes. Cassettes were replaced by CDs, CDs were replaced by mp3 players and mp3 players were replaced by smart phones. Similarly, skill sets need to be upgraded and your knowledge about a certain subject needs to be further explored. Lifelong learning is vital for you to grow in an organization.
Have you heard of the 21/90 rule? It takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to make it a part of your lifestyle. The skills mentioned below will need to first become a habit and then part of your lifestyle, especially if you aim to be a lifelong learner:
? Communication
? Creativity
? Problem Solving
? Motivation
? Discipline
? Determination
? Collaboration
? Financial Skills
? Adaptability
? Healthy Living
? Leadership
? Curiosity
? Reflection
Things you?ll need for this activity:
? Half a chart paper or a double A4 size page
? Sketch pens
? Adult guidance
Discuss your answers and mention it on your chart paper. Let?s begin:
? Set a goal for this year: What did you want to learn since a long time?
? Discuss the purpose of the goal: How will this goal help you and others?
? Break the goal into small steps: Draw a ladder with 4-5 steps. At the top of the ladder i.e. Step 5, mention the goal for the year. From Step 1 to Step 4, mention milestones you need to achieve before you reach the top of the ladder.
For example,
Step 5: Represent your school in an interschool elocution competition.
Step 4: Participate in the elocution competition held in your school.
Step 3: Recite this in front of your class.
Step 2: Learn this essay by heart.
Step 1: Write an essay with the help of your teacher or parent. Read this essay out loud everyday for 21 days in front of the mirror.
? Discuss potential problems that could arise between Step 1 and Step 5:
If you feel like giving up what will you do?
This activity can be used to plan and achieve any goal you desire.
