One of the keys to a successful life is having the passion and drive for personal improvement. And what better way to improve yourself than by acquiring knowledge and skills?
Learning must be a lifelong pursuit if you hope to continue growing and evolving. If you aren’t sure how to become a lifelong learner, consider these top strategies for gaining knowledge, pursuing your passions, and ultimately, experiencing a full and exciting life.
Read Books
Make a habit of reading a minimum number of books each month, and make it a priority to reach or exceed this minimum. Reading books is not only relaxing and enjoyable, but the materials you consume can provide knowledge, skills, and motivation.
If you doubt the value of reading books, consider some of the most successful people in life who have made reading a lifelong habit:
- Bill Gates
- Oprah Winfrey
- Elon Musk
- Warren Buffet
- Mark Zuckerberg
- Mark Cuban
Learn From the Internet
While everyone knows there are many mindless ways to waste time online, did you realize that there are also many excellent resources to help you learn? For example, you can find research papers by renowned universities and medical institutions, as well as complete editions of professional magazines and newspapers. There are also apps for almost any kind of learning:
- Language apps, such as Duolingo and Babble, can help you learn virtually any foreign language
- Presentation apps like TED expose you to recorded talks by experts and leaders that present complex information in an accessible way
- Puzzle-solving apps like Brilliant teach science and math concepts through a hands-on, incremental approach
- Brain workout apps like Elevate use daily quizzes to strengthen your skills and improve your memory
Pursue an Advanced Degree
If you are after more than knowledge for the sake of knowledge, you could consider pursuing an advanced degree. Whether the degree coincides with your current line of work or allows you to gain skills in a completely new area, having credentials can help you advance in your career and broaden your horizons.
There are plenty of online accredited colleges if you prefer to get a degree at your own convenience. This can be a great option for professionals who prefer to continue working while pursuing more education. Not only are online colleges more affordable, but they also provide you with the convenience and flexibility you need to balance all of life’s responsibilities.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
If you never venture outside your normal habits and activities, life becomes limited in scope and perspective. Instead, find the courage and motivation you need to try new things. When you learn something new, you realize that there are segments of life you didn’t even know about, and hopefully, your new discovery will fuel you to keep going. If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider these options:
- Join a local dance class
- Try cooking a meal inspired by another culture
- Learn to paint or draw
- Take horseback riding lessons
- Learn a musical instrument
- Join a club focused on a specific game or activity
If you want to live a full and rich life, seek knowledge at every stage. By following your passions and learning new things, you can improve yourself and in turn, the quality of your life.