As we turn over a new year, we resolutely make resolutions, all of which fail or are forgotten by the turn of the new month.
I believe this is because we focus on the ends rather than the means. When we want to lose weight, we misguidedly proclaim, “I will lose 20 pounds,” as if that were a waypoint to program on our life’s GPS. We forget that once we reach the fictional city of “Twentypoundia” we must continue traveling, else we wind up back at our starting point.
Better to pledge “I will enjoy eating my broccoli and kiwi, while I walk and talk with a friend each evening.” Isn’t that more appealing than your vision of standing on a scale?
In that vein, and with credit to a blog by Scott Young on www.lifehack.org, here are 10 steps to follow on your journey to improving your life through lifelong learning.
1) Keep a “To-Learn” List
We all have to-do lists. Try to also have a “to-learn” list. Maybe you would like to take up a new language, learn to dance, or read the works of Shakespeare. Whatever motivates you, write it down.
2) Get Smarter Friends
Start spending more time with people who think. Not just people who are smart. But people who actually invest much of their time in learning new skills. Their habits will rub off on you. Even better, they will probably share some of their knowledge with you.
3) Guided Thinking
Simply studying the wisdom of others isn’t enough; you have to think through ideas yourself. Spend time journaling, meditating or contemplating ideas you have learned.
4) Put it Into Practice
Skill based learning is useless if it isn’t applied. Studying painting isn’t the same as picking up a brush. If your knowledge can be applied, put it into practice.
5) Teach Others
Any teacher knows the best way to learn a subject is to teach it. At Club Ed, you can try out your class ideas and have fun doing it.
6) Learn in Groups
Lifelong learning doesn’t mean condemning yourself to a stack of dusty textbooks. Workshops and group learning events can make educating yourself a fun, social experience.
7) Start a Project
Set out to do something you don’t know. Forced learning in this way can be fun and challenging. If you don’t know anything about computers, try building one. If you have two left feet, learn the two-step.
8) Follow Your Intuition
Lifelong learning is like wandering through the wilderness. You can’t be sure what to expect and there isn’t always an end goal in mind. Letting your intuition guide you can make self-education more enjoyable.
9) Reap the Rewards
Learn information you can use. Understanding the basics of computing will help you join the rich online world, communicate with your family, or help you start a new business.
10) Make it a Priority
As I always told my students, no one can make you learn. The desire has to come from within. It is up to you to make lifelong learning a priority in your life.
As you’ve guessed, Club Ed addresses all 10 points. But even if you never take a class, my wish is that you use these tips to guide you on your learning journey.
xxx
The Spring 2010 Club Ed catalog is now online and in the mail. For information or to sign up, click www.clubed.net, or call 830-895-4386.
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