4 Benefits of Being a Lifelong Learner
Lifelong learning, also referred to as continuous learning or constant learning, is the practice of continuing one’s education or training well into adulthood and even after establishing a career for oneself.
Many people see school as a childhood necessity or as a path to a certain career, but the benefits of being a lifelong learner are so numerous and varied that it might make you rethink your approach to education.
In this article, we will go over four key benefits of being a lifelong learner, including positive effects on brain health, boosts to your professional life and social network, and improvements in soft skills and personal confidence.
Keep reading to discover how lifelong learning can be a life-changing endeavor!
Brain Health
Multiple studies have shown that lifelong learning can have positive effects on cognition and brain health. One such study demonstrated that older adults who embarked on the journey of learning new skills saw significant improvements in their cognitive functioning.
Just as we must exercise to keep our physical body in the best possible shape, learning into adulthood can serve as beneficial exercise for our brains. A 2014 study showed that learning a new language in adulthood could slow cognitive decline related to age.
Other brain health-related benefits of learning new skills in adulthood include slowing memory decline, lengthening attention span, and reducing the risk of dementia. While these benefits might seem too good to be true, most people understand that regular exercise as an adult is an important part of longevity and long-term physical health. The same concept applies to our brains!
Career Advancement and Job Security
Many adults know the feeling of applying for jobs and finding that they do not have the skills or training required for the desired position. Similarly, many people feel stuck in their jobs or careers and unable to get to the next level. You can fill the gaps in your résumé and solidify your career path by doing related training in those areas for improvement.
One of the best ways to advance your career is to learn new skills, enroll in continuing education or certificate courses, attend seminars and conferences, and generally speaking, to become a lifelong learner.
It can feel humbling or like you are “taking a step backward” to engage in professional training as an adult. The truth is, however, that doing so shows potential. It demonstrates to current employers that you are committed to excellence and willing to grow and learn. It sets you apart from peers in your field and can make you a prime candidate for promotions or to take the next step in your career.
Expanded Social Network
A common adulthood realization is that meeting new people becomes much more difficult after finishing school! We start attending school and making social connections there as small children, and most of us use school as our primary method of social networking up until, or well into, adulthood.
Learning alongside your peers is one of the best ways to meet new people. Suppose you choose to engage in professional training, certificate courses, or continuing education as a lifelong learner. In that case, you may happen to meet people, either virtually or in-person, with similar interests, career paths, and life trajectories.
Through lifelong learning, you can meet potential new employers, discover entrepreneurs with similar values and ideas, and network with people in a similar field. You can stay engaged and up to date on the ideas of today. Plus, you can make new friends!
Increased Confidence and Improved Soft Skills
Attending school or taking courses online as an adult can help you in ways that may seem surprising or unexpected. While you will, of course, gain more knowledge about the content of what you study, the act of studying and engaging with courses can, in itself, teach and reinforce many “soft skills.” Developing soft skills can help to build your confidence as you move forward in life.
Soft skills include things like critical thinking, creativity, self-discipline, goal setting, problem-solving, and adaptability—just to name a few. You may be unlikely to take an entire course about one of these soft skills like, for example, self-discipline. However, the act of being a lifelong learner and taking courses as an adult can help you to manage your time and encourage you to practice self-discipline so you can be successful in your education. The same goes for all of the aforementioned soft skills, as well as a long list of others that are not named here.
As you move through different courses, you may notice that your soft skills begin to improve naturally. Gaining stronger soft skills can translate to increased confidence and a sense of overall competence. You can use examples of strong soft skills when applying for jobs and navigating the interview process and then apply those same skills in your career.
Lifelong Learning at Blackstone Career Institute
Are you looking for somewhere to start your journey as a lifelong learner? Blackstone Career Institute offers online career training programs, certificate courses, and continuing education Advanced Paralegal courses.
Our courses are highly affordable and can be completed on your own time, even while working a full-time job. You can complete courses from anywhere, and Blackstone even offers payment plan options to make education more accessible. Get started today!
Written by Adam Wernham
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, job promotion prospects, or income increases.
