Become a Lifelong Learner: It's Easier Than You Think

One of the keys to personal and community success is creating a learning environment. Everyone around you benefits when you choose to increase your knowledge and skill sets. Although formal education is important, a lifelong learner is one who is always on the lookout to learn something new, through reading, discussion, continuing education, listening...there are so many ways to learn! We always have room for more learning - it is impossible to "fill" up our minds. Thinking and learning give us an opportunity to grow and become who we want to be.

Some people are so turned off by high school or college that they refuse to take another class later in life. Learning gives us a second chance at personal success - finding that perfect career or talent. Learning gives us the opportunity to make informed choices. Learning opens the door to seeing how others think and understanding their actions.

It's not necessary to "go back to college" to become a lifelong learner. Here are a few tips to get you on the track to becoming a lifelong learner:

1. Discover the library. Most local libraries offer free library cards to those in their communities. If you have a library card - use it! Most have access to more books than are physically available at the library. All you have to do is ask and your librarian can order books or periodicals from other libraries in the system.

2. Read a book. The action of reading gives your mind a wealth of information. Select a variety of books for the best results. Make a goal to read at least one book a month. Keep track of the books you read for the entire year. You may want to start with something you read previously - that is certainly OK! Talk to your friends and find out what they are reading. Movies are often based on books and you may find that you like the book better than the movie.

3. Subscribe to the local newspaper and get busy. Get involved in your community by volunteering or supporting local schools. Look at the community calendar and find a new activity to try. Check to see if local businesses offer classes, such as crafts (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc.) or home repair (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.). Many are free or are low-cost and sometimes there is a fee for supplies.

4. Check out continuing education. Many colleges have continuing education-style free courses available to the public. Call for a list of classes and you will be surprised at how varied they are - from auto mechanics to learning a foreign language. I have found that many adults are uncomfortable using the computer because their typing skills are poor. Years ago I took a keyboarding (the new word for typing) course and it was one of my smartest educational decisions. I am able to communicate through the written word much easier - it does not hamper my ability to try new things.

5. Spend time at museums. If you love history, find the local historical museums and don't be afraid to take your time. Art museums are excellent for quiet reflection and introspection. Schedule museum visits when you are not rushed; a rainy day is great for museum discovery. A number of cities have Children's Museums. Don't be embarrassed to be a child for a day because you will be surprised at what you will learn from these touch-and-learn environments.

6. Play challenging board games. My family loves to play games. We like the tried-and-true favorites. Here are a few to try: Cranium, Apples to Apples, Monopoly, Battleship, Uno, Scattergories, and Trivial Pursuit. The questions and devising a strategy will keep you on your toes and as an added bonus you learn something new!

7. Tune into channels that teach on TV. The Discovery Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the History Channel and Animal Planet have programming that teaches without force-feeding the viewer. Don't be afraid to tune into programs that don't interest you. You will be surprised when you find out that you may be interested in the subject after all!

The first step to becoming a lifelong learner is challenging yourself to become more than you are today. Every step you take will improve yourself and your community. The funny thing about becoming a lifelong learner is that it is contagious and others will join you even if they do not realize it. Create a learning environment around you to allow others to become all they can become, too. Set an attainable goal today: become a lifelong learner.