7 Reasons to
Keep Learning

Mirjam Stoffels

At the moment you are reading this blog,
I am in Johannesburg – South Africa.
Not on a holiday, no.

In the five days that we will be spending there I probably get to see exactly one entire block of Johannesburg: the Garden Court Sandton City Hotel, the Sandton Conference Centre, the Sandton City Shopping Centre and probably some nice restaurants in that area to lunch and dine.

And I have to tell you: Johannesburg – South Africa is about 10,000 km or so out of my comfort zone… The first time I leave our three kids behind for more than a day or two.

 
‘Then why do that?’, you ask? To learn new stuff and to meet new people!

I am going to attend the Mega Partnering South-Africa event. The world’s #1 conference with only A-Players. I am going to meet Steve ‘Woz’ Wozniak, one of the two guys who changed the world as we knew it with Apple. Cyril Ramaphosa is there. He is deputy president of Nelson Mandela’s ANC Party, and of South Africa. JT Foxx, the world’s #1 business wealth coach is hosting the event. I definitely want to hear Johanna Mukoki speak. She is ‘Top Woman of the year in Business 2010′ and ‘Ernst & Young [Emerging] World Entrepreneur in 2012′. Davlynne Lidbetter, General Manager of Forbes Africa, and Michael Eilertsen, South Africa’s Branson, are there. Among others…

Since four years now, I attend the best seminars in the Netherlands and now I am going abroad too. As I said, to learn new stuff and meet new people. Because learning affects my well-being in lots of positive ways. It exposes me to new ideas and helps me stay curious and engaged. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment and growth and it helps boost my self-confidence and resilience.

That’s what learning does for me. But maybe you think: ‘Oh, that is not for me. I am happy where I am now. I graduated, so why should I do anything at all?’

I’ll give you seven good reasons to keep on learning:

 
#1
You’ll beat boredom
Boredom may lead you to a slippery slope of unhealthy habits, such as overeating, drinking too much, watching too much TV or getting stuck in negative thoughts and feelings.

 
#2
You keep in touch with the world
If you don’t keep in touch with the world and what is going on out there, you’ll sound outdated and out-of-touch. By trying new things and learning new ideas, you’ll better be able to relate to those around you. Don’t get left behind – keep learning.

 
#3
You’ll get more brain power
Learning keeps your brain functioning at a high level. You’ll improve your memory and your ability to learn. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and create new neural pathways throughout a lifetime. So, no matter what age you are, you can strengthen your brain power. It is also thought that keeping the mind active could play a role in helping to prevent dementia.

 
#4
You’ll look at the world with fresh eyes
Scientists believe that much of what is called ‘creativity’ is simply the ability to apply skills learned in one setting to problems in another setting. If you’re always learning, this means that when you face a familiar problem, you may be able to come at it with an unorthodox solution, based on your new knowledge.

 
#5
You will get healthier
Research shows that people who have a greater sense of purpose and personal growth have lower cortisol levels, an improved immune system and sleep better.

 
#6
You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be
Keep in mind that when you stop bettering yourself, you essentially stop reaching the goals you are striving for. And you don’t only owe it to yourself, Don’t you also owe it to the people around you to be your best self?

 
#7
Because all the greats are doing it
Think of anyone, in any field, who is truly brilliant at what they do. They got where they are through constant self-improvement. Truly talented people are constantly learning and implementing new skills. It’s worth joining them in this passion!

 

 
Sharing is caring!
So, now I turn it over to you.
Do you like or dislike learning new things?
What have you always wanted to learn?
What is stopping you?
Simply post your comments and wisdom in the comment box below!

 

Mirjam Stoffels

Founder of seven2success, author of ‘Daily Little Secrets to Success’ and guest blogger at Project Eve and 365 dagen succesvol. In my mission to make seven2success the biggest platform of knowledge and inspiration for women, I want to inspire you with our content! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter! I’d love to connect!  And do you want to inspire other women? Write for us!

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