23 - Invest In Yourself: Why Continuous Learning Is Crucial For You Personally And Professionally

When was the last time you learned something new? Stretched your brain cells? Completed a course or gained a new qualification?

Over the years, I have always enjoyed learning and I truly believe that continuous learning is a necessity, especially when it comes to your career. But it is not just your professional development that will flourish, but you will personally too. 

We are very fortunate that there are many different ways we can learn. The online knowledge industry is around £40 billion GBP per year and growing, and you will have many local clubs or classes, so if you want to try something whilst interacting with people (good for networking), then try checking out websites such as MeetUp.com or Facebook (first and foremost please be safe!).

Another amazing thing is that there is so much free material available online that it doesn’t need to break the bank. The Open University offer over 1000 free courses! They are available immediately, there are three levels of difficulty, you can learn at your own pace, and you can get a certificate of completion at the end. 

It literally couldn’t be easier to learn or try out that new skill that you’ve always been curious about. 

Maybe it’s learning about neurodiversity to help you be a more supportive leader? Or you want to learn how to make homemade gifts for an event coming in a few months time? There is something for everyone, and you can be really intentional and learn something that will help develop your professional career, help you to understand what you want more of or less of in your life, or maybe even be more mindful and unwind. 

Pretty good right?

I just want to say, you are not too old, you are not too busy, and you don’t need to be smart to learn new things. There is something for everyone, and at whatever stage you are at. 

Here are a few more benefits of why we should always be learning: 

Adapting to Change

We live in an era where new technologies and methodologies pop up regularly. Being adaptable is key. Continuous learning allows us to stay relevant and keep up with these changes.

Enhancing Skill Sets

Remember that time when you learned a new skill, and it opened doors you never thought existed? By continuously upgrading your skill set, you're not just adding tools to your toolbox; you're making sure that toolbox is always cutting-edge.

Boosting Confidence

Every time you learn something new, you gain more confidence. It's like adding feathers to your cap. This confidence can be a game-changer when taking on new challenges or leadership roles.

Opening New Opportunities

Who doesn't love new opportunities? Continuous learning can lead to promotions, career shifts, or even the chance to pivot entirely into a new field.

Networking

One underrated aspect of continuous learning is the people you meet along the way. Whether it's through courses, seminars, or workshops, you're bound to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer fresh perspectives and networking potential.

Promoting Innovation

Innovation often stems from knowledge. The more you know, the more creative and innovative you can be in your job. Continuous learning keeps those creative juices flowing.

Personal Fulfillment

Last but not least, learning for the sake of learning can be incredibly fulfilling. It's about personal growth and the joy of mastering new things.

So, as I round up this weeks blog I will ask you again. When was the last time you learned something new? Stretched your brain cells? Completed a course or gained a new qualification?

Whether it's a new course, a workshop, or even a book, there's always something new to discover. Your career, and your future self, will thank you for it.

And if you want some help getting over that block in your head, or not sure where to even begin then reply to this email and lets get talking. 

Always with love, 

Elsa x