Lifelong Learning – Secret to a Privileged Life

A lack of knowledge is a great disadvantage in life. It means we don’t get opportunities, can’t be trusted, and need to be ‘looked after,’ reminding us of when we were children. Knowing what is needed to succeed in life and having the ability to get there is crucial in avoiding frustration, which is commonly defined as having our goals or aspirations blocked or unsatisfied. No one wants to be frustrated. A commitment to lifelong learning and the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom is the secret to a privileged life few end up living.

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Some people simply ‘don’t know what they don’t know.’ It’s called unconscious incompetence. They’re ignorant and it’s not a very powerful position to be in. We’d surely not want this result personally or for any of our dear family or friends, yet we persist in our ignorance so often by not engaging in the learning process. There are a thousand learning opportunities every day – are you being at least somewhat attentive to them?

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We need to make it our business to know things that affect our lives, and seek to know the truth and common sense of reality. We need to know in diligence what we must do and what we must not do in order to succeed in life.

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Ignorant behaviour harms others as well as you. Anyone you rely upon will ultimately suffer because of your lack of knowledge. Commit yourself to becoming a life learner. You could try some of these things:

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- Take a course; anything from a short-term course to a degree.

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- Ask people questions about things you’re curious about. Curiosity is endearing and you will find people seeing you as more attractive purely because you are seen as a ‘humble learner.’

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- Set some goals on learning. Set them high. Ten years from now you could have a Master’s degree or doctorate. You might simply want to broaden your life experience.

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- Read books. Get involved in the history of the world for instance... it’s a fascinating place, the world, with many fascinating people who’ve lived over the course of history.

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- Limit the amount of useless information you take in. i.e. television, magazines, some newspapers, tacky/tabloid media etc.

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- Exercise discernment in which people you speak and listen to. Find good role models and model their desirable behaviours onto yourself.

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- Keep a journal and make regular, in not daily, entries. Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned each day. This has the effect of deepening the experience, making it more meaningful.

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Lifelong learners think more and as a result have more joy in life. They have more personal power and are naturally endearing people. Socially speaking, they’re also interesting to be around. One of best advantages however is the legacy you leave to your children and grandchildren; of knowledge and its acquisition.

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Finally, focus not just on acquiring information but also focus on developing your character; that is, become a better person, morally. Now that’s the epitome of learning!

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© Copyright 2008, Steven John Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.