For 50 years, John Maxwell has read, filed, thought, and wrote about leadership. He has become the number one expert on leadership because he has followed that discipline every single day. What have you studied during your life? Are you a lifelong learner of something?
One definition of study is “the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research”. And according to Wikipedia, lifelong learning is the “ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated” pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
Life long learners can be divided into two categories. One group focus their studies on a particular subject or a few subjects over a long period of time. The other group consists of people who like to learn new and different things. Their attention is drawn in many disparate directions.
Lifelong learners in the first group have three traits:
1. Passion. They have a passion for their chosen subject. Their area of expertise continues to intrigue and challenge them.
2. Intentionality. No one grows by accident. Lifelong learners intentionally seek opportunities to continue their learning.
3. Daily Discipline. Lifelong learners are prepared and disciplined to study every day, even if it is as short as 10 minutes.
Lifelong learners typically continue learning not just for themselves, but also for others. They tend to share their knowledge and expertise. They sense a link between their subject and society.
What category are you in? What are you studying today?
Additional resources:
15 Steps to Cultivate Lifelong Learning, by Scott H. Young.
Learn, A Minute with Maxwell.