How do I develop good habits for lifelong learning?

Have you thought about starting to learnsomething new or even continuing formal education, but are not sure how?

Maybe you would like to learn something more informally orstudy a course part-time.

Maybe you would like tolearn toplay a musical instrument, but in your own time without too much pressure.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Adopting the mentality of a lifelong learner is great for personal growth. Lifelong learning can help develop problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Lifelong learning is a form of self-initiated education that is focused on personal development.

— Valamis Knowledge Hub

It's the continuous search for knowledge while pursuing personal or professional development throughout your life.

It includes all forms of learning, such as formal education at university, and informal learning from everyday activities, experiences, and interactions. Lifelong learning can start at any age and have any purpose.

Here are some ideas of what you could start learning:

Learning a new skill

• Learn programming languages: Learn Python, Java, or C++ with online courses, coding boot camps, or self-study through books and tutorials.

• Carpentry: Enroll in local community classes.

• Learn a new language: take formal classes, or use apps like Duolingo.

Learning a new activity

• A new sport: join a local team or watch skills videos on YouTube.

• Singing in a choir: participate in a local community choir.

Learning to learn

• Read: Expand your knowledge by reading more or joining book clubs.

• Podcasts: Subscribe to podcasts on topics of interest.

Lifelong learning has many benefits. It can help you gain motivation and inspire you to take more control of your life, as opposed to the daily tasks we all have to do each day, like work or maintaining the house.

Learning something new can lead to new avenues of interest. You may start to learn astronomy and decide that the math element is what interests you and you decide to explore that more.

Most importantly, it can improve your self-confidence in both your personal and professional life.

Try to develop the habit of asking questions and wanting to know new things. Being curious can help you be motivated to learn more and explore different topics.

• You could create a curiosity journal where you write down your questions, observations, and new learning experiences daily.

• Follow your interests and pursue hobbies and activities that naturally interest you. Use online courses, such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), podcasts, and other digital tools to find new learning resources.

• Participate in forums and discussion groups on platforms like Reddit, Discord, or specialized online communities.

Developing good learning habits is important to help maintain your pursuit of lifelong learning.

Here are some ideas:

• Surround yourself with other learners by forming a study group.

• Learn things you have a genuine interest in.

• Use digital tools to organize and manage your time.

• Choose consistency over intensity — small, frequent learning sessions are most effective.

• Recognize your achievements by rewarding yourself.

Make sure your goals SMART:

• Specific: simple, sensible, significant

• Measurable: meaningful, motivating

• Achievable: agreed, attainable

• Relevant: reasonable, realistic

• Time-bound: time/cost limited

Think about:

• Are my goals realistic? Learning to speak fluent Spanish in 3 months is unrealistic.

• How often do I want to study? 1 hour a day? 30 minutes?

• Plan your learning by using apps like Google Calendar or Office Calendar to maintain focus.

• Keep notes to review to help you reinforce what you've learned.

Above all, be consistent!

Now it's your turn to embrace lifelong learning!