Be A Life-Long Learner

Learning To Think For Yourself 

There are three ways we learn ── kinetically (touch and feel), visually (through the eyes) and orally (hearing). 

Each of us has specific preferences and strengths for learning. For instance, some have a better capacity to learn and remember something they read over something they hear. Others learn best kinetically through doing and experiencing. And some learn best simply by watching others perform.

With the advent of the Internet, we all now have access to a vast store of information. And thanks to Google and other search engines, it is also easy to locate facts, figures and basic information on just about any subject or topic.

However, facts, figures and basic information are not knowledge. Knowledge comes from thinking about the implications and possibilities of these facts, figures and pieces of information. Knowledge and learning come from contemplation, analysis and the internalization of the data at hand. This is what makes learning how to learn so important.

It is also why reading books is so important. You need to read what others have thought in order to form your own judgments, opinions and beliefs. You won't get this from Google or lazy Internet searches for facts, data and information. You must dive into books. 

Good authors help put information into context and will help you put information into the context of your own life. As Stephen R. Covey wrote, "An educated conscience impacts every aspect of our lives."

The desire for life-long learning is not sated only by books. Magazines, newsletters, blogs, documentaries, and even some websites are all reservoirs of immense information and  the occasional pearl of wisdom. 

All of these resources will help you learn how to think for yourself, an important skill for those on a Project You Life Journey. 

As Oscar Wilde said, "A man who does not think for himself does not think at all." 

This article is excerpted from our top-selling personal development book Project You: Living A Determined Life, available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. 

Your Personal Growth Starts Now

Find the Courage to Live A Determined Life 

Be willing to take a chance on personal growth success. There is no advantage in waiting. 

After all, right now is the oldest and most experienced you have ever been, and the youngest and most inexperienced you will ever be again. No matter what age you are, the time to establish new goals and chart a new (or revised) path is now. As the author C.S. Lewis said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream."

Having goals is important, in fact critical, to implementing personal change. As motivational guru Jim Rohn used to say:

Goals.

There's no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them.

There's no telling what you can do when you believe in them.

There's no telling what will happen when you act upon them.

Having goals helps you plan and prepare your actions. As Stephen R. Covey noted in his book First Things First, "Much of our frustration and anxiety come from the feeling of being unprepared. Many activities become urgent as the result of lack of proper preparation."

Remember, your goals should be intricately aligned with your responses to the two questions above on what you are doing with your life and how the world will be better as a result of your personal journey on this planet. Your goals also need to be relevant to both your ego and spirit.

We are not talking about day-to-day living goals or "to do" lists, or even short-term desires like purchasing a new car or funding your child's tertiary education. Too many people get trapped focusing on goals such as these, and they end up so busy making a living they forget to make a life. 

To ensure you do not fall into this trap make sure your goals and desired outcomes are designed to create the Determined Life you deeply desire. 

Don't get so busy earning a living that you fail to make a life. 

After all, you are getting only one shot at this human experience. 

This article is excerpted from the book Project You: Living A Determined Life, available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.