Stay Active, Engaged, and Challenged:
Lifelong learning isn’t just good for our health and overall outlook on life—it’s a must for shaping your outlook on life. It’s a journey that should kick off soon after formal education ends and never stop. Surely, if you’re reading this blog, you’re likely a self-improvement enthusiast like me.
Wikipedia defines lifelong learning as the “ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional growth.” It starts after high school, so consequently, college courses even fit this description.
Hopefully, your K-12 education emphasized the value of knowledge for personal and professional growth. Lifelong learning can help you pick up a hobby, switch careers, or simply enjoy life more.
The Many Benefits of Lifelong Learning:
As per Walden University, the many benefits of lifelong learning include:
- Boosts job success.
- Supports healthy brain activity.
- Keeps you connected.
- Keeps you fulfilled.
- Brings joy and meaning to your life.
Engaging in lifelong learning is easier than ever, ranging from reading online articles to pursuing university degrees. Certainly, scheduling time for this activity, preferably daily, is essential to reap all the benefits.
Continuing Education as a Pharmacist:
As a pharmacist, I must complete 15 annual hours of continuing education, or C.E., for license renewal. It covers various subjects like recently approved medications, pharmacy laws, and healthcare issues. While not entirely voluntary, I find it beneficial for professional growth.
Lifelong Learning Beyond Your Career:
Recently, I enrolled in a 4-session class at a local university, focused on libraries. We read fiction and non-fiction set in library settings, discussing characters and themes. The books, including The Paris Library, The Midnight Library, and The Library Book, were all captivating reads.
You’ll find plenty of videos, podcasts, websites, books, or classes on topics that interest you or enhance your career. Lifelong learning is as crucial during your working years as in retirement.
I enjoy podcasts like The Daily, hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, Hidden Brain hosted by Shankar Vedantam, and The Resilient Mind which feature renowned experts discussing mental strength. Another favorite is from Scribe Media, which taught me a lot about writing a book.
More Lifelong Learning Sources:
YouTube videos have been instrumental in tackling home repairs, travel ideas, investing knowledge, and retirement planning advice. In addition, you can often spot me in a physical bookstore or library, exploring shelves of books.
Click on Image Below to Learn the Benefits of Reading Non-fiction:
In Summary:
I cannot envision living a purposeful or meaningful life without including lifelong learning. There’s always something new to explore, new horizons to conquer—often within your own mind.