“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.” These lines by Mortimer Adler not only focus on the importance of education but also the necessity of learning which is one of the steps to personal growth. For most of us, education is a means to secure better job prospects and financial security.
But, what is learning? What is personal growth? Is it only about getting good grades for a certain time? Is it about scoring high on certain tests? No, because in the real world, school marks have no significance without the knowledge you possess.
Learning by reading books, attending college, or completing a program are what most people think of when they consider typical methods of learning. For instance, if you are planning to become a material scientist or engineer, you can look for an impactful MSME degree to help you gain relevant knowledge. But, keep in mind that true learning is actually a continuous process. We learn daily from our experiences, interactions with people, and in many other ways. Learning from life happens so organically that we may not even realize it is happening.
When your intention is to keep on learning, you can be assured of enhancing your skills and reaching your goals through personal and professional growth.
4 Important Steps for Personal Growth and Continuous Learning
Train Your Mindset
One of the biggest challenges to keep learning throughout your life is to train your mindset. As Margaret Becker said, “A cup that is already full cannot have more added to it.” This stands true in regard to our mindset as well. You need to train your mind to stay open to challenges and improvements, rather than assuming you know it all already. Be willing to change your mind and admit you were wrong, regularly reflect on your biases and blindspots, and engage in regular debates with the goal of learning something new.
Have a Flexible Goal
When you are focused on learning for personal growth, you should first have a flexible goal in mind. “Being the best” isn’t a flexible goal because it is mostly about proving your greatness to others. On the other hand, flexible goals like “be a good listener” or “be more resilient” are more achievable. Having a practical personal growth plan is an important step to achieving your goals.
Try New Things
Lao Tzu said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Continuous learning isn’t just about updating knowledge, but about improving yourself based on new information So, try new things, make minor changes to your lifestyle, and seek out new learning experiences. For instance, if you do not enjoy reading, you can listen to audiobooks. Or if you struggle to meet new people, challenge yourself to attend one networking event each month. Push yourself to do things you’ve never tried before. Doing so promotes growth and also reveals what works and doesn’t work for you. Eventually, you can use this to your advantage and find better ways to learn.
Seek Feedback
It is often difficult to monitor your own progress, and therefore an outsider’s perspective to help you gauge your growth. You can directly ask people around you for specific feedback on your progress. Alternatively, you can look for subtle cues and patterns that repeat themselves, such putting off large tasks, missing deadlines, or being too trusting. You can also make time to speak with a counselor, journal, or self-reflect in other ways to determine your evolution.
Tips to Aid Your Learning and Growth
When it comes to continuous learning and growth, you should look beyond conventional forms of knowledge like books. We live in an age where information and support are literally at our fingertips. Check out the resources described below to expand your mind.
Explore Social Media
While most use social media to stay updated in their social circle, social media also has a wealth of information. Various professionals, experts, and influencers keep us up-to-date on trends and news. When utilized correctly, social media can inform you about what’s happening within an industry, new technologies and processes, and predictions of future changes.
Listen to Podcasts
There are countless podcasts focusing on topics relevant to your personal and professional life. These podcasts are designed to provide information, updates, and analyses of current patterns, changes, and goals. Podcasts also have some of the top industry leaders and influencers who answer some pressing questions.
Subscribe to Newsletters
Newsletters are an excellent source of information about industries, companies, and people you are interested in. These newsletters can provide you with curated content and regular updates about what’s happening in a specific industry or company. This allows you to learn about new developments in a timely manner with minimal effort.
Participate in Discussions
Be it offline or online via forums, participating in discussions is a reliable way to gain knowledge and exposure to various viewpoints. Explore forums where you can discuss topics of interest with others. This will flex your communication and analytical thinking skills, while also deepening your understanding of the subject.
Online Programs
You can apply for various online degree programs to empower you with updated knowledge and skills. Online programs add to your existing knowledge, upgrade your views, and help you come up with new ideas. Plus the remote aspect is convenient, allowing you to learn at times and places that work best for you.
Conclusion
Continuous learning is all about expanding your opportunities and abilities to learn so that you are consistently upgrading your knowledge and set of skills. It is a vital step to personal growth as it broadens your knowledge, experiences, and perspective. Having the right mindset and the will to learn can help you reach new heights.
If you would like assistance with any stage of the continuous learning and personal growth process, the expert educators at WorldWise Tutoring can help! Our tutors are academic, career, and personal coaches guiding you on the path to success. Hire a tutor today!
