5 Habits of a Lifelong Learner

If you’re looking to set yourself up for professional success, you must take a good look at the daily habits that you have. In order to succeed, you must grow. In order to grow, you must improve and build upon your current state.

Formal education is something everyone has gone through in their life. To a certain degree though, the textbook knowledge we learn when we are young is not always that practical in real life. That is why lifelong learning is essential to professional success.

To be a lifelong learner, your goals are to improve as a person, slowly, day by day. It is a self-initiated form of education for one’s personal growth. Learners understand the importance of job growth and personal development. They are consistently seeking more ways to improve and building upon their knowledge base.

Below are 5 daily habits of people who value lifelong learning. Do you recognize any of these habits in yourself? Are there ways to include someone in your daily routine? Do you have any to add?

5 Daily Habits of a Lifelong Learner 

1. They Love to Read Daily 

If you want to learn something, there is probably a book out there that can teach you. Reading is a great way to open up your mind to new ideas, to concepts, trends, and opportunities. Whether it is news articles, books, blogs, or articles, reading every day can boost your lifelong learning habits in an inexpensive way. 

2. They Seek Out Educational Courses

We live in the Age of Tech, where online courses are easily accessible and available for little to no cost. Youtube, LinkedIn courses, Online degree programs, the list goes on and on. Whether it is offline or online, there is an abundance of courses you can participate in to expand your knowledge base, connect with like-minded people, and gain mentors.

Education is now at your fingertips. What you learn is a result of how much effort you put into seeking new ideas and learnings daily.

3. They Value Networking 

All that I know, I have learned from my mentor. Yes, I went to University, and I received a degree in my field of study. To that point, learning the essential tools, tactics, and strategies from my mentor is the reason why I was able to excel in my position so well. I had someone teaching me, step by step, someone who would answer questions, someone who understood the position.

I met my mentor during a networking gathering. What started as a casual conversation around our commonality, developed into a conversation about career goals and shared learnings. My mentor is one of the most valuable relationships in my life.

4. They Prioritize Self-care 

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” -John F. Kennedy

Keeping your mind and body in good condition is your best asset. We were designed to move, grow, seek and explore. Personal development is essential to professional success. Lifelong learners treat their body as their temple. They understand how the mind and body work together and seek ways to nurture themselves. 

5. They have Diverse Passions 

We learn and grow from our experiences. Whether it is an event or skill in your life, who we are is shaped by our past, what we have encountered, and what has made an impact on us.

When someone values the role passions have not only in self-care but in professional development, they understand that learning different passions will step them up for success in life. By practicing different skills, you give yourself an advantage over others.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and prioritizing self-care can be challenging but the rewards are in abundance. Lifelong learning is a self-initiated form of education for one’s personal and professional growth. Stay curious, and expand your knowledge, your education is one thing that can not be taken for granted and is for you to keep.