Young professionals, make learning a habit

After two years of being out of college, I find myself constantly having bouts of missing all the learning I used to have in school. It’s a realization that comes as one enters the adult working life.

Yes, there is joy to be found in not being forced to do assignments and finish long boring readings anymore, but when you feel like you’ve been doing and thinking the same things all over again, somehow you find your mind craving for knowledge.

I realized that learning doesn’t stop when school ends.

As a professional, it is up to you now how you want to be schooled. Will it be through plain experience? Learn as you go along? Or will you be wise enough to research, ask questions, read, and know a little more than experience can teach?

I’m amazed with people who manage to keep themselves knowledgeable about things. However, what’s even more amazing is finding people who have that mindset of being students for life and of life.

In my efforts to satisfy the hunger of my mind, I’ve found several ways to keep myself learning every day despite a busy and erratic schedule. Here are some of the ways:

1. Read the news

I’ve always believed that it’s the duty of everyone, as rightful citizens, to be updated with what’s happening in society.

Just knowing about the issues of today puts you in a position where you can do something about it. Whether it’s voicing out your opinion or going out of your way to make a stand, each little thing contributes to change.

Ignorance is plain apathy. It is also good to be well-informed about what’s happening to the world because everything, from our work to our personal lives, is interconnected. Whether you like it or not, issues on the Mamasapano clash and the Pork Barrel Scam affect you too.

You might also be able to pick up a thing or two from the opinion, entertainment, and sports sections.

2. Watch television

When I was young, I was trained to watch TV only on weekends. On weekdays, the TV was off-limits for us because we were asked to focus on school work and encouraged to sleep early.

I didn’t really obtain that habit of turning on the television whenever I get home.

I couldn’t care less about pop culture either. I was just immersed in my happy little world. Now, because I’m working in the media industry, I had to force myself to watch TV to be able to know the who’s who and the what’s what. Only now did I get to appreciate the different shows on TV and discover the kind of impact they can make.

Watching television is like eating at a buffet. You try to look at all the viands, taste those that look interesting, and have a mouthful of those you really like. Sometimes we watch television for entertainment, sometimes we watch it to learn something new, and sometimes we watch it to find the information we need.

Even with the onset of the digital world, I still think that television is a relevant medium for us to learn and become well-informed and well-rounded people.

3. Attend talks and seminars

I have always appreciated attending talks and seminars. I feel like they give much more practical information and life experience-based advice.

There are numerous talks and seminars available today, whether on personality development, leadership, financial management, entrepreneurship, technology, and even for very personal matters like health, career discernment, spiritual direction, and marriage counseling.

What’s important is to determine your own needs, then search for where these talks are offered.

Obtaining food for your soul is as important as nourishing your brain. Everyone needs that constant replenish in a world where everything just happens so fast.

4. Take a class

It’s never too late to learn anything, be it a foreign language, a sport, an instrument, a subject or a skill. Whatever it is that you feel will make you more confident as a person and as a professional, go for it!

If it’s something that is completely unrelated to your job but will ignite the fire in you, why not?

If you’ve thought about it a dozen times but still haven’t gone for it, then maybe it’s time to put yourself out there. Sometimes it’s good to disturb your routine.

5. Pick up a book

Nowadays, reading a book has become an arduous task for most.

Everything has become so accessible and convenient, thanks to social media. You can read news online without having to deal with pesky advertisements on the newspaper. Plus, it doesn’t take too much time at all since most articles are summarized.

So what’s the point of reading from a book?

Studies say that aside from providing entertainment and increasing knowledge, reading books leads to improved memory, attention span, vocabulary, literacy, and analytical thinking skills.

Reading books also has health benefits. It can help reduce stress, prevent Alzheimer’s disease through mental stimulation, and bring peace and tranquility.

Aside from all of these, isn’t it just refreshing to see the world through a different set of eyes? When was the last time you got lost in a book? Can’t remember? Good thing our books don’t get lost in the data rubble.

These are 5 easy tasks we can adopt to make learning a habit. If you open your mind to the knowledge that comes to you, who knows what you’ll discover and what you’ll become? After all, our thoughts become our words, our words become our actions, our actions become habits, and our habits become our character. 

As Brian Tracey said, “Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.”

Enjoy learning your way through life! – Rappler.com

Gretchen Ho is currently a professional volleyball player and a TV Host for Gameday Weekend, The Score and ChinoyTV. She actively advocates for youth empowerment and success through sports. She also has her own blog.

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