When you’re young, education seems to be the biggest priority of your life. But as people move into their adulthood, many settle into the knowledge and understanding that they have without reaching for more and developing a lifelong love of learning. However, once you’re done in the workforce and have moved into an assisted living community, you might come to realize that the skills and habits you develop as a lifelong learner are just what you need to stay sharp.
So to help ensure that you’re always progressing and expanding upon the knowledge you have, here are three things you’ll need if you want to be a lifelong learner.
A Curious Mind
One thing that anyone who’s interested in learning needs is a curious mind. Without such, you won’t be able to find the desire to learn new things or branch out with what you know.
According to Dr. David Handel, a contributor to Medium.com, what people really need to spark their curiosity is to question everything in and about the world around them. Just as children are constantly asking “why” as they learn about things, the only way you’ll be able to continue learning as you age is by wondering and questioning things that are presented to you. And while the answers and explanations might be more complicated as you age, your sense of curiosity should remain simple and constant.
A Variety Of Interests
Part of being a lifelong learner includes growing your knowledge about all different kinds of topics. But to accomplish this, you have to have a variety of interests to learn about.
By cultivating passions about all sorts of topics and ideas, Oskar Nowik, a contributor to LifeHack.org, shares that you gain a particular advantage over people who focus solely on one type of knowledge. And because lifelong learners want to always know more about what they’re passionate about, having all types of interests and passions will automatically help you to always be learning more about the world around you and your place in it.
Well Balanced Health
In order to build your mind, you also have to make sure that you’re not neglecting your physical health.
According to John Boitnott, a contributor to Inc.com, doing things like getting enough sleep, reducing your stress levels, and properly fueling your body with food will all help you better digest, process, and retain information. So if you’re hoping to be able to recall all the things you’ve learned throughout your lifespan, make sure you’re caring for your body just as well as you’re caring for your mind.
If you’re determined to be a lifelong learner throughout your time, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you make the most of this.
