We live in a world which is continuously changing and evolving. It is not just that the people around us and environment change but we also keep changing. Change in human beings happen on many levels like knowledge, religious views, spirituality, intellect, logic, etc. To cope up with these changes one has to continuously learn and expand one’s horizons.
Continuous regular learning is no more a luxury. Gone are the days where even in the work environment someone could survive based on what has been learnt in college. It was common to find people in previous generations who started their career as accountant or teller or supervisor and retired with the same profile. They had limited requirement of learning and development in this journey. But in current times we have to appreciate the Value of Regular Learning.
Can one ‘NOT LEARN’?
Learning comes naturally to Humans. Look at a child’s journey from birth: learn basic symbols then some alphabets – words – sentences then relations then basic feelings then complex language, feelings & relations then worldly knowledge then subjects in school up to friendships, marriage, parent & what not. We can easily see that ‘Learning in Inevitable’ even for a newborn. Anyone with senses & basic intellect can’t spend even a day without learning something completely new or building on existing knowledge.
What all do we Learn?
There are four types of learning humans engage in: Knowledge, language, feelings, spirituality. All of them form the core of our identity. Our experiences and understanding of life completely depends upon it. Acquired learning is absolutely central to our survival and existence in this world since Stone Age. Regular learning of Knowledge, language & feelings happens naturally as we go through our lives. Spiritual learning requires some conscious efforts and it should be made a priority.
Is learning process Objective?
Acquisition of knowledge sometimes is addition to existing one or ‘Unlearn-Relearn’ something. All learning is acquired after filters of our existing knowledge, intellect and experiences. That makes learning process highly subjective. Recall any lecture in school/college or just any discussion; did all participants draw same learning from it? It can never happen so because of subjective filters we apply in learning. But remember that howsoever these subjective filters may sound to you, they are valuable indispensible.
How should we learn?
I am a firm believer that knowing the problem clearly is solving half the problem. So far what we have learned about learning would undoubtedly help us become better Regular Learners. Now that we understand the Value of Regular Learning, there are some more things we can take care of to improve further:
1 Choose source sensibly: The source of our learning might be carrying inherent bias, which we also acquire if we are ignorant about it. The world today has more fakes than originals. So, be very watchful of credentials & intentions of the source of learning.
2 Exceptions do not make a rule: Sometimes we end up forming permanent opinion based on temporary experience. Let us be wise about it.
3 Plan learning needs in advance: To lead our lives with ease it would make so much sense to acquire required knowledge in advance. Our goal setting process should include a plan for it. Use Internet which has made learning almost free.
4 Unlearning is as important as learning
5 Don’t let the Brain become Boss: The evolution process has programmed our Brain to mould our learning in certain ways to ensure that we remain safe physically & mentally. That severely alters our perception many times.
As it is said that, ‘Change is the only thing permanent in life’. In this eternally changing universe we would firmly find our place only if we adapt to changes well. To lead our personal & professional life in a happy & fulfilling way, we have to understand value of Regular Learning and make it a priority. This has to be a conscious choice.
Happy Learning!
About Author
Anurag is a Certified Career Counselor and Coach. He is an Engineer & MBA with 20+ years experience in Education Industry. All of knowledge that you find here stems from first hand experience of coaching thousands of successful students. He has been passionately working in the field of career counseling since 2019.