Winning Attitude 7: Lifelong Learning

“Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.”

—Denis Waitley

I first heard about the concept of life long learning about seven years ago and I decided to embark on this life transforming journey. I discovered that learning does not have to be limited to a given space and time but rather it can be a way of life. We daily have enormous opportunities to learn new things that can shape our perspectives, improve our competence and enrich our networks but that only happens when we are intentional about learning, growing and becoming better each day.

I am fortunate to not have gone through formal schooling for my higher education. A lot of my higher education has been virtual, by correspondence and self-paced. I learnt to take charge of my own learning and in so doing became intentional about becoming a better person by the day. The beauty about lifelong learning is the fact that there is no pressure for exams, failing or being labelled a failure. You learn at will and define your own personal development growth curve. It is quite contrary to the normal education system and yet that is the way to go.

Your mind is like a muscle; it develops only with use. Just as you have to strain your physical muscles to build them, you have to work your mental muscles to build your mind as well. The good news is that the more you learn, the more you can learn. Just like the more you play a sport, the better you get at the sport. The more you dedicate yourself to lifelong learning, the easier it is for you to learn even more.

Continuous learning is the key to the 21st century. Lifelong learning is the minimum requirement for success in your field or in any field. Make a decision today that you are going to become a student of your craft and that you are going to continue learning and becoming better for the rest of your life.

One of the keys is to read in your field for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day. Reading is to the mind as exercise is to the body. Reading for an hour each day will translate into about one book per week. One book per week will translate into 50 books per year. Fifty books per year will translate into 500 books over the next 10 years. You will become one of the smartest, most competent, and highest paid people in your profession by simply reading one hour each day.

This should be coupled with listening to audio teachings, attending seminars and workshops as well as taking online courses. We live in an era where ignorance is the most lousy excuse. You can literally learn anything just at the tap of your finger. You can learn via YouTube, take part in virtual discussions and attend seminars from any part of the world. Don’t get caught offside, be on top of your game by choosing to be a lifelong learner.