The mindset of a lifelong learner
Keith Keating,
Chief Learning Officer,
May 26, 2020
I looked at the image that accompanied this article, a graph of lifelong learning and unlearning, and I asked myself as a lifelong learner whether I actually ever unlearn anything? I don't think I do. I mean, sure, it's possible to forget, but that's not what is meant by unlearning. It's also possible to change beliefs, and that gets a bit closer, but it's still not what is meant by unlearning. This article is actually pretty light and doesn't tell us anything at all about unlearning, just some vague nicities like "Lifelong learners prosper in this new, increasingly flexible and dynamic global economy. Lifelong learners invent and reinvent themselves whenever they find or create the opportunity." But really, it's nothing to do with any of that - it's about staying curious and following your interests wherever they may lead. If you're just chasing this elusive goal of "exceeding your employer's expectations" or whatever, lifelong learning is just another burden. Don't make it one. Don't "reinvent yourself" - everything you've already learned is an asset ('money in the bank', as they say). Don't plan your learning based on fear. Follow what works for you.
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