There’s an old saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Maybe if that dog is of the canine variety, that’s true. I mean, they do tend to get a bit lazy and just want to eat and sleep in their golden years. But for us old dogs that are human? That’s simply not true. There is always something new we can learn and there is something extra rewarding with lifelong learning.
According to the Harvard Business Review, lifelong learning has many benefits.
Stay Up to Date in Your Field
Chances are, you don’t plan to continue not working. And as we have all seen, with the advent of AI and constantly evolving landscape of today’s professions, it’s imperative you stay up-to-date with what is happening in your field. You can stay up-to-day in many different ways.
- New books are always being published on the latest trends and strategies in every field
- Most professions have journals published on the latest trends
- There is no end to the number of industry-specific websites, newsletters, and social groups
- Many organizations offer industry classes and/or continuing education classes
Utilizing these resources will help ensure that you are up to speed when you do land your next job.
Health Benefits
Studies have shown that people who participate in lifelong learning can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s. While the cognitive activity cannot change a person’s biology or predisposition to these conditions, it can help to delay the symptoms. This learning doesn’t need to be based on your profession. It could be something like learning a new instrument or difficult new skills.
Emotional Health
Learning – and even better mastering – something new is an empowering feeling. It fulfills an intrinsic need to satisfy our curiosity and need for understanding how certain things work. And what you know, what you can do, is part of what makes you uniquely you.
So what do you want to learn more about? Do you want to learn a new skills within your profession? Maybe you want to learn to play an instrument or a new language. Whether it is to stay sharp with your marketable skills or just to satisfy your own curiosity, find something that interests you and get started. The benefits are innumerable!
