How to Develop the Mindset of a Lifelong Learner

Education is a central component of almost everyone’s life from early childhood into early adulthood. With final degrees in hand, whether a high school diploma or a P.H.D., it’s easy to feel like you’ve finished your education as you embark on your career. However, that’s far from the case! While your time sitting in a classroom and doing homework may be over, it’s crucial to develop a mindset of lifelong learning. No matter how good you are at your job, there are always new things to learn and new pieces of information emerging, and you’ll be most successful if you approach life with curiosity and a desire to grow in your knowledge and skills. Here are some tips for developing a learning mindset.

Learn from a Variety of Sources

One of the best ways to learn is from other people. Reading is a common hobby for lifelong learners, as there’s a wealth of written information on almost any topic. However, if sitting down and reading is challenging for you, there are some other great resources! Podcasts and audiobooks are great options for people that prefer auditory learning. Investing in expanding your knowledge is incredibly valuable!

You will never regret having taught yourself extra tidbits of knowledge, as these can come in handy when navigating through a variety of social situations and professional decisions. Personal development is very closely tied to a commitment to learning.

Be Willing to Confront Challenges

When you find a project or problem you aren’t sure how to approach, sometimes it seems easier to pass it on to someone else who does. Challenges are a great learning opportunity, though! It may take a little longer if you have to learn as you go, but in the end, you’ll have developed new skills and hopefully a sense of accomplishment. Taking on projects that require new skills can help build your resume and expand your skillset, furthering your career and accomplishing new goals.

Intentionally confronting challenges can help prepare you for when unexpected problems arise. Having a go-to plan of action or strategic response will help resolve some of the initial sting that you feel from the challenge, and it will grow you into a more well-rounded individual with a posture for learning.

Pursue Your Interests

It’s challenging to get excited about learning things you aren’t particularly interested in. So while you work on developing this learning mindset, pour your energy into your interests! Have a hobby you’ve always wanted to try? Look up some YouTube instructional videos, read up on it, and dive in. Learning doesn’t have to be boring, so make sure you make time to learn things you’re passionate about. Even if the things you pursue aren’t related to your professional career, learning new hobbies is an excellent form of self-care and helps develop dynamic interests outside of the workplace.

Teach What You Know

Finally, one of the best ways to learn is to teach. If you think you understand a skill or concept, try explaining it in simple terms to a friend or colleague! Successfully teaching someone a skill or concept is an excellent gauge of understanding and can help solidify that knowledge in your mind. Additionally, your “student” might ask questions that prompt further learning for both of you!

By applying your knowledge to teaching techniques, you position yourself to stay active in the educational environment. This will make learning seem less like a chore and will motivate you to learn on your end so that you can provide others with top-notch information regarding the subject you have positioned yourself as an expert in.