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Lifelong Learning

In the last few weeks, it seems that everyone has been talking about 'Back to School' as a marker in time for children as well as adults. Although this time of year signals the start of fall and an end to the more carefree time of summer, the truth is that most of us are lifelong learners—and as such, time boundaries do not apply.

In this e-series, I will explore how lifelong learning, when used intentionally, can support us in aligning who we are with what we do.

I was recently interviewed by Mariposa Leadership on the e-series topic, "Technology and Relationships:  How to Manage Technology Before It Manages You". To hear the interview, go to: http://www.bundlecom.com/ap/player-simple.htm?m=tci/0830.mp3

What does it mean to be a lifelong learner?

According to excerpts from Wikipedia, lifelong learning is the concept that it's never too soon, or too late, for learning. Lifelong learning is attitudinal; it's the idea that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills or behaviors, regardless of life stage. One view of lifelong learning sees citizens provided with learning opportunities at all ages and in numerous contexts: at work, at home and through leisure activities—not just through formal channels such as school and higher education. Webster’s Dictionary says it all in the definition 'continuous through life'.

We are all sponges for learning. We learn through information, classes, one another, experience, mistakes and successes. In each case, we gather new skills and learn to adapt to situations.
There are many areas for us to learn about: specific job skills, interpersonal skills, building relationships, spiritual development, personal development, parenting, hobbies of interest, and so forth. And of course there are many methods of learning available to us, including e-learning, universities, adult schools, and on-the-job training.

The real question that I believe we must face is this: taking into consideration both our conscious choices for learning as well as our day to day experiences, are we planning and selecting what to learn in order to align who we are with what we do? In other words, how much of our learning is by accident and how much of it is deliberate? Are we intentionally applying what we learn to increase our work/life satisfaction?

It is common in organizations for people to take classes or receive on-the-job training to increase their skills and abilities at work. We have development plans that speak to our strengths and areas where we need to improve. But what about the rest of our lives outside of work? What is our development plan for lifelong learning in order to build the future we desire?

In Fredric Hudson’s book LifeLaunch, he writes that “adults who are truly alive are always learning. Learning for them is an attitude, a habit, a way of life. Adult learning is about discovering, not memorizing; it is about awakening, not passing tests. It is self- directed inquiry, reflection and application.” 

What I see with myself, and many of my clients, is that they are self -directed and seek out opportunities to learn. However, what seems to be missing is the reflection and application of that learning. Do we really spend time thinking about what we are learning if it has no immediate use? How often to we go back after a class to the notes or texts we used? How often do we reflect on how we want to use what we have learned? In this busy world of 24/7 activity, it is very hard to slow down and integrate what we are learning.

In a previous e-series (#2, almost four years ago!), I talked about the need for self  reflection and different tools like journaling, meditating, walking in nature, spiritual retreat, etc., in order to clear our minds to make quality decisions. Much of our lifelong learning can be missed if we do not take the time to reflect and then consciously take actions based on that learning. We want to be active participants in the learning process. As we think about our future, do we include a plan that details out the specific learning we need to get us where we want to go?

Hudson has what he calls “An Adult Learning Agenda”.  Below are some of the questions he poses:

1. “What do I need to unlearn?”- what are the beliefs and conclusions that no longer serve me?  What mistakes have I made, and how do I avoid them in the future?  How do I learn lessons sooner rather than later? Reflecting on what we need to unlearn can be powerful in uncovering what we do want to learn.
   
   
2. “What new information/skills do I need?”- with all the overload of data, what will help me align who I am with what I do?  What data is really important and how will it foster my growth in shaping my future?
   
   
3. “How can I stay anchored in my values?”- what is important to me? What has meaning for me? What do I need to learn to stay focused on my goals and priorities?
   
   
4. “Who are my real teachers and mentors?”- who are my role models? Who can support me in my learning? Who has wisdom and knowledge to help me move forward?

Reflecting and answering these questions can take time, and as with any plan, your agenda will change to adapt to your changing needs and awareness. If there are things you keep saying you want to learn, but don’t seem to get around to doing, consider that as a cue that you may want to strengthen your learning agenda.

I suggest having a way to record your day-to-day insights and 'aha moments'; a simple journal or notebook can be a big help. Think about the areas of your life that may feel stagnant of learning. Try to get clear on the kind of learning environments that work best for you, and think through how you can you bring more of those into your life. Rather than taking learning for granted, be intentional about what you are learning, as this can be your most powerful tool in aligning who you are with what you do.

BOOKS

1. Lifelaunch: A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, by Frederic M. Hudson and Pamela D. McLean. ©2000, The Hudson Institute Press
2. Learning as a Way of Being: Strategies for Survival in a World of Permanent White Water by Peter B. Vaill. ©1996, Jossey Bass

COPYRIGHT AND PUBLISHER INFORMATION
© Carole Rehbock. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.

Carole Rehbock works with leaders, teams and individuals to facilitate forward motion to produce results. Learn more at www.rehbocksolutions.com or give her a call at 510-843-6417.

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