As a parent, you know the importance of providing your child with a good education, both in school and out. But what about your learning? Do you strive to deepen your knowledge, take courses, and continue your education, or are you finished with textbooks, tests, and teachings? Don’t you want to ‘walk the talk’ you give to your own children? When kids see adults in their life harnessing curiosity, reading to learn, and striving to improve, their motivation to do better and work harder increases. There are some incredible benefits of becoming a lifelong learner for everyone, not just for kids.
Are you a lifelong learner?
Higher wages
Money isn’t everything – far from it, in fact. For many professions, including mine, teaching, if you want to raise your earning potential, learning is the route you need to take. I worked hard to increase my salary by obtaining as much post-grad education as possible. Time and again, research shows us that continuing your education improves your chances of earning a higher salary, winning more promotions, and having a greater level of financial security. You will never reach your earning potential if you don’t prove yourself with learning, so whether it’s doing a degree as an adult or taking up a workplace offer of training, consume every opportunity that comes your way. Not only will you be more employable, but you will feel more comfortable in your role, happier at work, and have the skills and knowledge you need to achieve great things. The more I learn, the more exciting teaching becomes! It’s infectious!
Develop natural abilities
Everyone has a talent hidden somewhere within them. But these innate natural abilities will never get the chance to come to the fore without an education. Learning helps you understand your talents, and gives you the tools you need to use them properly. Education refines you in a similar way to how a rough diamond is polished to create beautiful jewelry. You’ll never know what you might bring to the world if you don’t take the time to indulge your curiosity!
A healthy, active mind
It’s never too early to start thinking about life as we grow older; if you want to stave off the threat of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, you need to keep testing your brain. While diseases such as Alzheimer’s are biological, the simple truth is that you can delay its onset and preserve your quality through lifelong learning. We’re not just talking about reopening the school books again, either. Learning a new instrument or embracing highly skilled challenges on a regular basis can all help by a significant amount. Have you ever thought about taking guitar lessons, or learning how to paint? Trying something new is a great way to grow a healthy, active mind.
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A chance to be different
I ask my children this question often: “If you are an employer and have two equally experienced, likable candidates that impress in an interview, what will tip the balance in giving them a job? Is it the person who is bilingual? Will you choose the one without the college qualifications or the one who embraced learning and achieved a master’s in business administration?” Make no mistake about it, lifelong learning can help you stand out front the crowd. And if you have ever pondered the question ‘are MBA degree programs worth it or not,’ ask yourself who you would choose if you were that employer. It’s never been harder to stand out than it is today, and if you want a competitive edge, you need to combine your experience and motivation with an education to prove yourself. I love the app Duolingo – I’m learning Spanish so enhance my ability to communicate at work and as I travel.
Self-fulfillment
People love to achieve things, and if you are looking for genuine self-fulfillment, learning is the only way to go. Whether it’s academic education, traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and ideas, or just stretching your perspectives by reading a challenging book, it all counts as an achievement. You will expand your awareness, knowledge, and create a multifaceted, multidimensional life that actually means something. It’s something you can continue all through your life, too. Your capacity for learning needn’t diminish as you get older, and, in fact, will be improved by educating yourself in your younger years. Your children need role models of adults who practice self-care and self-fulfillment – education is the perfect example to show them you’re never too old to learn something new!
Unique, electrifying experiences
Have you ever felt that sense of pride when you have completed a hard crossword, math problem, or finally read the last page of a tough book? Even these minor accomplishments can give you a major thrill. It’s human nature in action – we are hardwired with a capacity for learning and advancing ourselves intellectually. So, if you want a lifetime of electrifying experiences on a regular basis, push yourself to learn and educate yourself as often as possible. Bear in mind that even if there were zero economic advantage in learning, humans would still do it – and an educated mind is an entirely worthwhile way to express your unique personality and knowledge.
Develop deep relationships
Humans are social animals, and it’s vital that we have the opportunity to connect with other, like-minded individuals. You will meet new people, develop new relationships, enjoy an active social life, and start getting used to having deep conversations with others on a regular basis. The internet has enabled me to build so many professional relationships and cultivate strong friendships with people in my areas of interest – don’t shy away from creating a professional learning network online.
Become a contributor to society
No one wants to become a burden on their family, community, or society as a whole. And lifelong learning – especially when you approach retirement – can help you feel like you are still making a contribution. It will keep you active, sociable, and ensure that you aren’t feeling like you are a drain. Whether it’s learning new skills to help your community or going back to college and writing a Ph.D. that helps humans understand more on any given subject, there are thousands of lifelong learners who are huge contributors to the world – and continually educating yourself is the best way to join them.
Become a person of wisdom
When you commit to lifelong learning, you will develop a thorough understanding of why, how, and what life is really about. You will begin to realize what works – and what doesn’t. You will also develop a deep understanding of yourself, and those around you. Money can’t buy you this kind of wisdom, to become a lifelong learner you have to go through it all yourself to have the ability to put your life into perspective.
Become hungry for more
The more you learn, the more you want to learn. It’s a mindset that you will grow into when you embrace continual learning and one that you will never fully sate. The beauty of being a lifelong learner is that you can go down any route you like and still learn a lot about yourself and life in the world today. I’d love to hear about your lifelong learning – feel free to leave your comments in the section below!
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Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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