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The Power of Curiosity: Igniting Lifelong Learning
Uthman Abdul-Lateef
September 16, 2023
Hey there, fellow adventurers!
As I sit down to write this week's issue, I can't help but reflect on the whirlwind of the past few days.
I've been navigating through different environments, and it's been an interesting mix of excitement and exhaustion.
But amidst the change and challenges, I've been reminded of a fundamental truth: the importance of lifelong learning.
Last week, I urged you to pick the equivalent of my newsletter in your own goals for the year and take that bold step to start.
Have you?
And speaking of beginnings, let me share a little secret with you:
Writing this second issue has been a breeze compared to the first.
Why, you ask?
Because I've already overcome that initial hurdle of starting.
For those of you who might have missed it, you can catch up on the first issue right here
Now, let's dive into this week's topic - The incredible power of curiosity in the realm of lifelong learning.
Today's Issue: The Power of Curiosity in Lifelong Learning
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be on a perpetual journey of growth and self-improvement, while others remain stagnant?
The answer often lies in a simple yet powerful concept:
Curiosity.
Think back to your childhood, when you were a naturally curious being. You wanted to understand how everything worked. You'd take things apart just to see what was inside. You'd ask endless questions, driven by an insatiable desire to comprehend the world around you.
But as we grow older, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads.
The world begins to shape us, imposing its expectations and demands.
The curiosity we once had starts to fade, like a distant memory.
There are various reasons for this transformation.
Society's pressures, fear of judgment, and the responsibilities of adulthood often pull us away from our innate curiosity.
We begin to associate learning primarily with classrooms and textbooks, and real-life learning takes a back seat.
However, the truth is, curiosity never truly disappears.
It merely lies dormant, waiting for the right spark to reignite its flame.
For many of us, that spark is the pursuit of lifelong learning.
What Does it Mean to be a Lifelong Learner?
The idea of being a lifelong learner might sound daunting at first, especially if you associate it with the structured education system.
However, the truth is, real-life learning kicks into high gear after formal schooling ends.
So, what exactly does it mean to be a lifelong learner?
In simple terms, it's a voluntary pursuit of knowledge through various means of education.
It's not about textbooks and classrooms; it's about the daily habit of self-improvement.
Kristen Griffin, Vice President of Student Services at the University of Phoenix, puts it eloquently:
"Lifelong learning is the ongoing education of the self. Because it's on a continuum, this type of learning is self-motivated and often self-taught. It's about turning the act of learning in a classroom into a daily mindset and habit. It's about having a fierce desire to gain knowledge and skills whenever, wherever, and however."
In essence:
Its voluntary
Its continuous
Driven by a fierce desire to learn, whenever, wherever and however
It’s about having the self motivation to be willing to put in a sustained effort to learn, without the constraints of formal education.
The Lifelong Learning Journey Map
Benefits of Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning isn't merely a pursuit for the academically inclined or those seeking a career change.
It's a transformative journey that offers a multitude of benefits, each contributing to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Here are some of the benefits of embracing lifelong learning