Knowledge, once gained, can never be truly lost. It enriches you as a human being, advances your professional knowledge and understanding, and makes you more attractive to employers. That is why becoming a lifelong learner is vital for people who love learning and enjoy pursuing new knowledge. Lifelong learners are devoted to learning new things, enjoy challenges, and are eager to embrace new adventures, knowledge, and interests. Lifelong learners are poised for growth and understand the world around them a little better for it. Are you ready to accept the challenge of becoming a lifelong learner?

Understanding Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning doesn't necessarily take place in a classroom. Most people who are lifelong learners spend little time in musty classrooms. Instead, they participate in learning opportunities like lectures, workshops, online, etc. Think of all the things you've found interesting and wanted to learn but haven't. That includes things like:

• Cooking new cuisines
• Sewing (knitting, crocheting, etc.)
• Playing musical instruments
• Playing sports
• Mastering technology
• Building websites
• Painting
• Learning a new language
• Riding motorcycles, horses, bicycles, etc.
• Sailing boats
• Flying airplanes

These are all lifelong learning opportunities waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Some will require financial investments. In the information age, others only require your time, attention, and commitment to seeking new knowledge.

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Aside from the knowledge and experiences gained from being a lifelong learner, there are many other benefits you can enjoy in the constant pursuit of new knowledge, including the following:

• Recognition of new interests and talents.
• Meeting new people and building new connections.
• Continuous improvement of personal and professional skills.
• Developing a broader understanding of the world around you.
• Greater self-confidence.
• Challenging yourself and your beliefs.
• Renewing your faith in others and yourself.
• Perpetual self-motivation – a constant need and desire to improve.

Who wouldn't want to fill their life with infinite lifelong learning opportunities when such benefits are available?

Strategies for Becoming a Lifelong Learner

Opportunities abound to learn new things. From watching YouTube videos and reading online to signing up for community classes and workshops, attending guest lectures, or even paying to take special classes as they are available, it's almost always possible to find new opportunities to learn new things. These are a few things you can do to make that a priority in your life.

• Make a list of all the things you want to learn and check them off one at a time (leave room to add new things along the way).
• Set aside specific hours or one specific day each week to learn something new.
• Save money from each paycheck to devote to new learning (supplies, classes, materials, etc.), and once you have enough, invest it wisely.
• Look for free opportunities in your community to learn.
• Research groups of people online with similar interests and commitments to lifelong learning. Network.

When you prioritize lifelong learning, you will always have something new to look forward to.

Lifelong Learning and Your Career

Most dedicated lifelong learners invest in learning for personal reasons, not professional ones. That doesn't mean that this won't help your career. These new skills you've developed may enhance your career and your employability. Savvy employers will undoubtedly appreciate the value you bring to the table. They understand that lifelong learners have an innate sense of curiosity, are risk-takers, love challenges, accept feedback (and even criticism), and do not need external forces of micromanagement to stay motivated.

Finding Learning Opportunities

The good news is that plenty of places to find new learning opportunities exist. Look at library bulletin boards, online websites, community colleges, hobby groups, etc., and you will have an excellent place to begin. The other thing to remember is that the Internet brings learning opportunities directly to your home. Take advantage of social media, YouTube, and other opportunities to learn new things. Opportunities for lifelong learning are everywhere.

Takeaways

The hardest part is getting started in the lifelong learning process. Once you begin, the difficulty may be finding the time for all the new and exciting things you want to learn, experience, and do. Lifelong learners will tell you it can be addictive and might make it a little more challenging to turn your brain off at night to get enough sleep for tomorrow.