Wikipedia defines a lifelong learning or LLL as the ”lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated”^[1] pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. As such, it not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development, but also competitiveness and employability.^[2]

^{The term recognizes that learning is not confined to childhood or the classroom, but takes place throughout life and in a range of situations. During the last fifty years, constant scientific and technological innovation and change has had a profound effect on learning needs and styles. Learning can no longer be divided into a place and time to acquire knowledge (school) and a place and time to apply the knowledge acquired (the workplace).[3]}

Instead, learning can be seen as something that takes place on an on-going basis from our daily interactions with others and with the world around us.”

I found this really neat website created by The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County where Lori Reed, Training Specialist PLCMC,  takes you through a tutorial on how to be a lifelong learner. Lori  discusses the basic concept of what learning is. Many employees I interact with think that learning has to be through workshops and they are so disappointment if the workshop doesn’t meet their expectations. They also think that learning has to be done by their line manager. These are just some avenues for acquiring knowledge, but they can learn a lot more if they change their mindset. What they don’t realize is that learning is an ongoing process as mentioned above and it is constant. You can learn from talking to strangers, from reading a book and especially from  watching and listening to others.

I am not an expert, but maybe you should ask yourself these 3 questions and see if you are a lifelong learner.

1. Are you in control of your own learning?

2. Are you curious – not just in a classroom setting, but at anytime?

3. Are you someone who wants to learn more and is open to new ideas, irrespective of the circumstances around you?

After you have answered the above and whether you find you are a lifelong learner or not, you may find the list below helpful to start becoming one!

The 7 1/2 habits to be a lifelong learner : (I have taken this list verbatim and do not claim any of this to be mine.)

1. Begin with the end in mind

2. Accept responsibility for your own learning

3. View problems as challenges

4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.

5. Create your own learning toolbox.

6. Use technology to your advantage.

7. Teach, mentor others.

7 1/2.  PLAY! Be curious and read!

So get started! I know I have some work to do myself!