Are you addicted to learning? You should be
I read an article in the Indianapolis Star today titled 5 Things You Need to Know Today. I don't normally read the newspaper but my wife left a copy of the newspaper on my desk to bring the article to my attention.
Ironically, I think my wife wanted me to read about thing #1 in the article which is about an Indianapolis "Twestival" being organized using Twitter to raise money for Riley Children's Foundation. For more information on this twestival go to indianpolis.twestival.com.
But what caught my eye was thing #2, Adults Heading Back to School. Since it is only a paragraph long, I hope the Indianapolis Star won't mind if I reprint what it says in its entirety:
Adults Heading Back to School
About 16 percent of adults 50 and older say they're likely to return to school, according to an AARP Bulletin survey of 1,000 adults reported in USA Today. Here's why (multiple responses were allowed):
47% Sharpen their skills on the job.
39% For pleasure.
21% Make more money.
21% Opportunity for promotion.
19% Complete a degree.
Never stop learning
Now, I still have a ways to go before I hit the 50 mark but I can't help feeling like a part of this group. I am addicted to learning. I listen to 2-3 audiobooks per month, download eBooks regularly and watch a minimum of one iLearningGlobal video every single day.
The way I see it, why wait until you turn 50 to restart your education? In fact, why restart it at all? There are simply too many good reasons and too many educational resources available today to not continually educate yourself.
In fact, recent studies have shown that people who continually educate themselves are able to double their income every 2-3 years versus waiting the 20 years it takes to do the same with traditional compensation increases and bonuses.
What about you? Are you addicted to learning? If so, where do you get your education? Traditional classrooms? Reading books or listening to audiobooks? Online video? Leave a comment and let me know.
For more information on iLearningGlobal, visit www.iLearningGlobal.tv.
6 comments for this blog post so far...
September 12, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Michelle Hartz
I’m totally addicted to learning! That’s why I read your blog. I don’t consider myself a Noobie, but I’m always open to learning something new.
I don’t think there’s just one place I get my education.
I’m also infinitely curious. Any time someone says something along the lines of, “I wonder if...” I always respond, “lets look it up.” In that case, I usually Google it. (For some reason, this tends to happen more after I’ve had a few drinks....)
I browse the nonfiction section of the library for casual reading.
I get the adult class listing for IU, and if there’s something I’m interested in, I take the class.
In fact, I’ve decided to go back to school next fall to get a degree and possibly a teaching certificate so I can share my love of learning with others.
September 14, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Patric Welch
@Michelle - Great to hear from a fellow addict!! Your description of how you continually educate yourself almost exactly mimics mine. Do you use iLearningGlobal?
Best of luck to you in school and your quest to share your love of learning with others.
September 15, 2009 at 7:41 am
Michelle Hartz
I’ve never heard of iLearningGlobal. I’m going to go check it out now…
September 15, 2009 at 9:11 am
Patric Welch
@Michelle - Sometimes tough to get the gist of iLearningGlobal by just visiting their web site. For a really good video explaining it, go to http://www.iLearningGlobal.tv and click the Launch button under Video Theater near the top right of the screen. Then click the thumbnail of Brian Tracy (usually the first thumbnail at the top of the screen). If you see Brian Tracy talking against an all white background, you got the right video.
Let me know what you think when you get a chance. I love to hear others’ feedback on ILG. Thanks!
September 15, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Bill Hammond
Pat,
Do not know if I would call continued learning an addiction but without the effort you can go stale! Today, we have what a believe to be “low hanging fruit” available for our education. It is not difficult to read and learn about a topic. All that has been mentioned help us learn the secrets of the world--keep writing and reading.
Thanks,
Bill
September 15, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Patric Welch
@Bill - I agree whole heartedly but I do feel the need to mention that some of that low hanging fruit is rotten! :) lol
Add A Comment
Need help leaving a comment?
Just fill out your name, email address (for our eyes only) and web site address (if you have one, this is optional) above. Next, type your comment in the comment box. Feel free to use the Enter key to leave spaces between paragraphs.
The last step before submitting your comment is to enter the CAPTCHA word. This is the funny little series of letters and numbers you see below the comment field that helps prevent comment spam and ensures your comment can be seen on the web site immediately after you submit it.
The last step is to click the "Submit Your Comment" button. Thank you for commenting.