Being a Perpetual Learner
We're in an economy where skillsets have a short span. In order to be relevant, one has to be a perpetual learner.
Learning how to learn is a skill I'm trying to develop. Having the ability to learn perpetually with foundation ensures one doesn't become obsolete in a few years.
Unfortunately, we're often on autopilot - breakfast, shower, work, eat, sleep, repeat.
WHERE IS THE CREATIVITY?
Getting a degree and settling in a job till retirement doesn't help
The ability to learn things is still underrated. Yet, it's crucial because:
Upskilling increases your value
Creates your own niche
Helps Be an expert in any field
Outrun automation
Being a perpetual learner is fruitful if you're willing to put in the work.
There are three aspects that can help you succeed.
#1: Build Foundational Knowledge
Your knowledge of a concept is as good as its foundation.
As Naval Ravikanth says,
Arithmetic and numeracy are more important than Calculus
Conveying yourself is more important than extensive vocabulary
To think clearly, understand the basics. If you're memorizing advanced concepts without being able to re-derive them as needed, you're lost- Naval
#2: Collect Mental Models
Mental models are how we understand the world - fs.blog
Our interpretation of things we come across depend on the quality of our mental models. The more developed our models, the better our interpretation and understanding.
The lack of understanding is why we often miss things. By developing our mental models, we:
Think Better
Stitch multiple concepts
Approach problems from different perspectives
#3: Be Patient
While #1 and #2 are going to help you massively, patience is what gives results.
Consistency and commitment show results but they require patience.
Patience with yourself, your interests and realistic expectations are traits of a perpetual learner.
“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
This article was influenced by ‘The Almanack of Naval Ravikanth’. There’s a free ebook version that you can read if you’re interested.
Here’s the link : https://www.navalmanack.com/almanack-of-naval-ravikant