Today I hope to explain the importance of self-development and why you should never stop learning. Without further ado, let’s begin with my first ever blog post on becoming a perpetual learner.
It’s evident many of us become accustomed to our mundane lifestyles and inevitably fall into the tyranny of routine. The complexity of the human brain shouldn’t be dwindled to fall into a disease of the dire need to be informed of new television shows or new trends on social media. Despite this ongoing issue within every tech-infested household worldwide, there is a part of us that wishes to learn. Unfortunately, we continue to procrastinate.
To most, the only time individuals are learning is in School, College, and University. Once they have attained their ideal job through the means of education (or completed the minimum), they’re content with their knowledge and skills and inevitably don’t look back. Moreover, skill gaps between the greatest and the average begin to form, and excuses uttered as the positions they desire fall out of reach. Resulting in many opportunities and potential wasted.
3 reasons you should continue -
Clarity
Before becoming an avid reader, I used to engage in the frequent use of social media. More specifically, Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. Not to say I no longer use other mind-numbing apps; I’ve simply managed to cut down screen-time. The previous two hours spent in my bedroom scrolling aimlessly, has now been substituted for reading. 10-weeks since the transition, not only have I learned more, but a sense of self-achievement empowers me to continue the habit.
Thus, it would be a lie to say you do not get distracted by trivial activities. Taking the time out of your ‘busy’ schedule to dedicate yourself to reading or learning might be the best option. Instead of becoming caught up in the world, learn to detach from your surroundings. Immerse yourself for one hour a day in anything but technology and work. You owe it to yourself.
Experience
The sheer magnitude of wisdom blessed upon us is overwhelming. Several hundred years of experience have been written down and distributed across the world. Ponder for a moment about your interests, whether it is work-related or recreational. The type of person you could be if you delve into your subject area deeply. The abundance of knowledge consumable by reading or studying a mere 5 minutes a day. I understand that may not be a lot.
Allow me to quote author James Clear from his aptly titled book, ‘Atomic Habits’. Clear states ‘if you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty‐seven times better by the time you're done.’ Essentially, slow progress is no doubt greater than no progress. Can you fathom being thirty-seven times better at your craft than you already are? The tremendous value to your employer or the improvement in your hobbies and general life. Do not take knowledge for granted and let all authors’ and teachers’ efforts be lost in vain.
Self-awareness
Let me introduce an important trait: self-awareness and how it applies.
Writing is my weakest skill, and if you haven’t noticed, perhaps you’re worse than me. I’ve always struggled in this area, and although I passed English in school, I was aware my writing was inadequate. I assumed I would learn with age and my professional life; I was far from wrong. The last time I produced a well-written essay was in college, 7 years ago. Yes, you read that right, 7 years ago.
Failing to invest time and money into honing my writing skills could halt all plans I have in writing a book or compelling articles which reach people in a serious manner. I hope to achieve this through self-awareness’ companion, discipline. A place wherein motivation is not welcome or required. We’ve all experienced the meaningful quotes we hear on the internet. A proverb or quote motivates us to change our course of action and ultimately endeavour towards our goals, only for it to last hours, and in seldom of cases, days. The two traits supplement one another and coups all motivational speeches.
Self-awareness alone will not be the reason why we succeed; it will solely aid with direction.
If there is any action I advocate after reading my blog. It’s that you make a change. If your life hasn’t transformed in 6 months, feel free to email me, and I will be more than happy to admit ‘self-development’ is utter nonsense and a waste of time.