We constantly talk about the importance of becoming a lifelong learner and in this article, we’re going to show you exactly how to do that.
By the end of this, you should have a clear and straightforward list to make sure you don’t get left behind.
There are 15 ways to become a lifelong learner.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel like reading; you can enjoy the video below or watch it on YouTube:
1
Create an annual reading list
Becoming a lifelong learner can start with something as simple as making a list of books you want to read this year.
Think of it like your personal learning journey mapped out in books.
First, decide what topics you’re curious about or what skills you want to get better at.
Once you know what you’re interested in, find books that are highly recommended.
Find a spot in your day, maybe right before bed or during a break, and make it a habit to read for a while.
Reading these books isn’t just about finishing them; it’s about enjoying the journey of learning.
You are not obligated to finish a book if you find it uninteresting.
Every book you go through opens up new ideas and ways of thinking.
And as you go through your list, you’re not just reading; you’re growing your understanding of the world bit by bit.
The average American reads around 12.6 books per year, so make a list of 12 titles for next year and get them for Christmas.
2
Begin your mornings with an educational podcast
How you start your morning can set the mood for your whole day.
A good way to make your mornings productive is by listening to an educational podcast.
It’s like having a mini-class on something you’re interested in, right at the start of your day.
We personally usually listen to Tim Ferriss’ podcast on our morning walk with the dogs.
But don’t just listen; think about what they’re saying.
Do you agree? Can you connect it to something you know?
This way, you’re not just hearing words; you’re learning and thinking about new ideas.
Starting your day with a podcast is a great way to wake up your brain and get excited about learning.
It’s like a morning workout but for your mind. If you want to become a lifelong learner, this is a tried-and-tested way to achieve your goal.
3
Invest in structured learning
The real challenge to becoming a lifelong learner in an age where information is abundant often lies in finding structured, reliable knowledge.
Especially when it comes to learning something that interests you or is crucial for your work.
This is where investing in courses or educational materials becomes not just beneficial, but essential.
There are two key reasons for this approach: structure and access to exclusive knowledge.
First, let’s talk about structure. Courses provide a curated learning journey.
They are designed to take you from the basics to more advanced concepts in a logical, coherent way.
This structured approach not only makes learning more efficient but also ensures that you don’t miss out on fundamental concepts that could be crucial to your understanding.
You can learn anything by yourself for free, but it will take way longer.
Do that if you have the time. If you don’t, get some structured stuff.
The second reason is access to exclusive knowledge.
It’s a simple truth that the most valuable insights and know-how are often kept behind a paywall.
Experts and professionals who have spent years honing their skills and knowledge are more likely to share their deepest insights and effective strategies in paid courses or materials.
It makes sense—this is valuable intellectual property that they have developed, often through considerable effort and experience.
But from our experience, this investment always pays dividends.
4
Find people within your level of expertise
One of the most effective ways to enhance your learning journey is to connect with a group of people who share your level of expertise and interests.
This strategy is based on the principle that collective learning can significantly amplify individual growth.
When you find a group of peers who are at a similar stage in their learning or career path, you create a powerful synergy that can propel each member forward.
Think of this group as a personal think tank or a mastermind group.
You can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and give feedback to each other.
This is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about growing together.
The benefits of being in such a group are manifold.
First, it provides a support system.
Learning a new skill or advancing in your career can be daunting, and having a group that understands your challenges can be incredibly motivating.
Second, it accelerates your learning.
When you discuss and share knowledge, you’re exposed to ideas and techniques you might not have come across on your own.
Third, it opens up networking opportunities.
The connections you make in these groups can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, or even new ventures.
Furthermore, engaging in regular discussions and collaborative projects within your group can lead to deeper insights.
It’s like having multiple sets of eyes looking at the same problem, each from a different angle.
This collective problem-solving approach can lead to innovative solutions and breakthroughs.
5
Write daily learning reflections
The act of writing daily learning reflections is like having a conversation with your mind, where you pause, ponder, and process the day’s experiences and lessons.
It’s a simple yet profoundly impactful habit that can transform the way you learn and grow.
By dedicating a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what you’ve learned, you create a powerful tool for personal development and you’re one step closer to becoming a lifelong learner.
This practice goes beyond merely recording events; it’s about delving into what you’ve absorbed, questioning it, and connecting it to your broader life experiences.
Reflect on questions like:
- How does this learning relate to my goals or interests?
- How can I apply it to my life or work?
- What new questions or ideas has it sparked?
In essence, writing daily learning reflections is not just a learning tool; it’s a life tool.
It helps you become more self-aware, thoughtful, and intentional in your personal and professional growth.
6
Teach
There’s a unique and powerful benefit that comes from teaching in your area of expertise.
It reinforces and expands your understanding, aiding you on your path to becoming a lifelong learner.
When you decide to teach, whether it’s in a formal setting or just casually helping a friend or colleague, you engage with the material in a new way.
You have to think about how to present the information clearly and logically.
This process often reveals gaps in your understanding, prompting you to learn more.
It’s a cycle where teaching leads to learning, which in turn makes you a better teacher.
The act of teaching also hones your communication skills.
You learn to break down complex ideas into simpler, more digestible parts.
This skill is invaluable, not just in teaching but in almost every aspect of professional and personal life.
Being able to clearly articulate your thoughts and ideas is a powerful tool in any setting.
7
Attend at least one workshop every year
There are hackathons for tech enthusiasts, where coding and problem-solving skills are put to the test.
Game jams for game developers challenge creativity and technical prowess.
Design sprints for creatives focus on rapid prototyping and user experience.
But the possibilities extend far beyond these.
There are startup weekends and innovation workshops, where entrepreneurs and business professionals brainstorm and develop business models.
- For those in the sciences, there are research symposiums and lab workshops, providing a platform for presenting research and engaging in scientific discourse.
- In the creative arts, workshops can range from intensive writing retreats to film-making workshops, each designed to immerse participants in their craft.
Attending these events serves several key purposes.
Firstly, it puts your skills to the test in a practical, often collaborative environment.
You’re not just learning in theory; you’re applying what you know in real-world scenarios.
Secondly, you gain exposure to what others in your field are doing—their techniques, projects, and thought processes.
Find them, and go take part. You will not regret it.
8
Apply new knowledge in small projects
There’s a special kind of joy and pride that comes from using new skills to complete a project. In essence, this is what becoming a lifelong learner is all about.
It’s one thing to learn something new, but it’s a whole other level of satisfaction to make something with that knowledge.
For example, if you’re getting into game development, why not start by making a simple game like “Snake”?
It’s classic and straightforward enough for beginners. While you’re building it, you’ll face real challenges that will test and improve your skills practically.
Or, if you’re learning software development, try creating a basic app. It could be anything from a simple calculator to a daily planner.
This project will teach you a lot about coding, problem-solving, and debugging—skills you can’t fully grasp just by reading or watching tutorials.
Interested in cinematography? Make a short film and upload it to YouTube.
You’ll learn so much about shooting, editing, and storytelling.
Plus, the feedback you get from viewers can be incredibly helpful for your learning.
9
Incorporate learning into your commute
The average person spends a significant portion of their day doing activities like commuting, waiting in lines, or doing other routine tasks.
Studies have shown that the average commute time in many cities can be over 30 minutes one way.
That adds up to hours each week when you could be doing something productive, like learning.
Now, think about how you can transform this ‘wasted’ time into an opportunity for personal growth.
If you’re driving, audiobooks and educational podcasts can be your best friends.
For those using public transport, this time can be used for reading.
From language learning apps to short TED Talks, you can find content that fits into these brief windows of time.
Or, better yet, the Alux app. It’s just 10 minutes a day.
The key here is to be prepared. Have your learning materials—audiobooks, podcasts, e-books, or apps—ready and accessible.
That way, whenever you find yourself with a few spare minutes, you can easily turn to them.
10
Explore different learning methods
Every individual learns differently, and discovering the method that works best for you can make a difference on your journey to becoming a lifelong learner.
The world of learning is vast and varied, offering numerous approaches that cater to different preferences and styles.
By exploring different learning methods, you not only make the process more effective but also more enjoyable.
Start by experimenting with various formats. Are you more receptive to visual information?
Then videos, infographics, and diagrams might be your best bet.
If you find that you learn better by listening, then podcasts, audiobooks, and lectures could be ideal.
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, practical exercises, experiments, or building projects can be more engaging.
Another aspect to consider is the environment in which you learn.
Some people thrive in group settings, benefiting from discussions and collaborative projects.
And speaking of that, you can take it one step further with the next point.
11
Set up a personal learning space
Decades ago, many homes featured a room known as “the study,” a dedicated space for intellectual pursuits.
Filled with books, maps, newspapers, and a serene atmosphere conducive to learning, these studies were a testament to the value placed on knowledge and personal development.
In modern times, the concept of a designated learning space has somewhat faded. It’s time to bring it back.
The first step in creating this space is to find a spot in your home that you can dedicate to learning.
It doesn’t have to be an entire room; even a small corner or a particular desk can serve the purpose.
Once you’ve chosen your spot, make it inviting and conducive to learning.
Stock it with essential tools: books relevant to your interests, a comfortable chair, adequate lighting, and perhaps a small table or desk.
Just as the studies of old houses represented a dedication to knowledge, your personal learning space serves as a modern-day sanctuary for education and exploration.
12
Subscribe to newsletters in your field
Newsletters are often an underutilized treasure trove of insights, updates, and expert opinions.
They offer a curated stream of information directly to your inbox.
Despite their value, studies and surveys suggest that many professionals underutilize newsletters as a resource for continuous learning.
Subscribing to a well-chosen selection of newsletters can provide several benefits. First, they offer convenience.
Instead of scouring multiple websites or databases for information, you receive key insights and articles right in your inbox.
This saves time and makes it easier to stay informed, even on a busy schedule.
Secondly, newsletters often include content that you might not come across on your own.
13
Volunteer for industry-specific projects
Volunteering for projects related to your industry is a powerful way to enhance your skills and contribute positively to your field.
It’s an approach that combines personal growth with community service, making it a uniquely rewarding experience.
In many industries, there are opportunities to volunteer for projects that can benefit from your expertise, and these projects offer valuable hands-on experience.
Many organizations and non-programs seek skilled volunteers for various projects.
Consider what skills you can offer and what kind of projects would be both meaningful to you and beneficial for your professional growth.
14
Set up a progress tracker
This can be set on a whiteboard, Google Docs, or whatever managing software you might be familiar with.
The point of this is to have a physical manifestation of your progress and to be able to see it with your own two eyes.
Something interesting happens in your brain when you can track stuff and check it regularly.
That’s why food diaries or weight trackers work so well.
There is a great sense of satisfaction when you get to check one more box in your progress bar.
We have one in our office that spreads out on an entire wall.
15
Keep a learning journal
And to keep track of the trend, we highly suggest keeping a learning journal.
Every time you do something that counts towards your progress, make an entry in your journal.
It can be as simple as “Today I read 20 pages of X book.”
Journaling clears out your mind and it also helps you figure out what the things were that had the most impact.
Imagine going back to your journal from a year ago and seeing exactly what you did, what you learned, and how it made you feel on a particular day.
It gives you a crystal-clear picture of what works for you and how to make the most of it.
Journaling is so essential that we also implemented it in our Alux app, which you can check out here.
And we made it super easy for you to use it; by adding specific fields, we have the most valuable entries.
We hope this article helped you figure out the best ways to become a lifelong learner. See you next time!
