"Everybody's free to commit to lifelong learning"

I was listening to the radio this morning and suddenly it was Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s free (to wear sunscreen)” playing on. And of course, it hit me – because it is a song you don’t listen often on radio, because it is a very different song and I like it and there was something about it addressing “the class of 99” with advice for their next 20 years (so… around now, I would guess). But also, because wearing sunscreen is really one of the simplest and best habits you can have for your health and skin, if you commit to it daily and in the long run. And then my mind wandered, I was thinking what advice would I give for someone for the next 20 years.

 

And I guess “Everybody’s free to commit to lifelong learning” struck a chord in me. It’s probably the best long-term advice I would give for the next 20 years (and, by the way, it’s exactly the same advice I would give myself 20 years ago).

 

“If I could you only one tip for the future, lifelong learning would be it,

Long-term benefits of lifelong learning have been proved by scientists” (that’s an adaptation of the original song, by the way)

 

The first benefit is exactly the one you are thinking about. In a fast-paced and rapidly evolving job market, fueled by innovation and technology advancements, required skills sets are quickly changing. To stay relevant, and surf this continuous wave, one must embrace education as an always-on activity, committing to learning new things, skills and competences every day. Today we are talking about AI and Sustainability, 20 years ago we were speaking about Performance Marketing and E-Commerce, in 5 years-time we will be building on whatever new is coming.

Lifelong learning enhances career prospects by expanding one's skill set and opening doors to new opportunities. It fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities, enabling professionals to tackle complex challenges in an ever-changing work environment – so, you can look at things from different dimensions, and if you are lucky enough, even bridge different experiences. But with this comes an additional benefit - it boosts confidence and job satisfaction, as we feel more capable and valuable in our roles.

But lifelong learning goes beyond career prospects and our professional angles. It keeps the mind sharp, encourages curiosity (and that’s probably one of the human brain’s greatest assets), and cultivates a growth mindset. So, what I am saying here is that it also has a positive impact on your cognitive health and overall well-being.

 In essence, committing to lifelong learning is an investment in oneself, ensuring continued relevance, adaptability, and personal fulfillment in an increasingly dynamic and tech-driven world.

But don’t forget. Life-long learning is like wearing sunscreen. It requires daily long-term commitment. And trust me on this.