by Chris Daily

Most jobs have certain tools that help you get the job done. Carpenters need hammers and saws, and a fisherman needs a rod and reel. Tools may differ from one job to the next or be exactly the same. You can use a pair of scissors to cut someone's hair or to help you complete an arts and crafts project.

Where lifelong learning is concerned, you don't have to pursue formal education courses. As a lifelong learner, there are a limitless number of tools at your disposal that will can contribute to your self-directed learning.

Are you a visual learner?

Maybe you're a visual learner who is interested in self directed learning. Then watching videos on YouTube might be perfect for your personal development. You can stop them at any moment and take notes.

If you're watching a how-to video, pause it and do what they told you to do. Then take the next step in the experiential learning process. This hands-on education is great because you can:

• Return to any point in the video if uncertain about what's being taught.

• Reinforce what you have learned by through activity.

• Encourage your critical thinking skills by being open to new concepts.

• Improve the quality of your own learning by creating a learning environment around you.

• Use online courses as a way of to gain knowledge in your own timeframe.

Another benefit of watching videos online is that there are billions of them out there that cost nothing for you to view as part of your lifelong learning.

Limited Financially?

Sometimes lifelong learners have a great desire to learn something. Then the money gets in the way. They don't have the required investment to take a course or hire a personal instructor. The perfect solution is to look at the low cost-alternatives, such as Udemy and Coursera, that have become available as a real cost-effective option. Lifelong learners can take adult learning courses for as low as $10 per course.

Are You a "Real World" Learner?

Some people refer to the Internet as a virtual world. It's not real life to the extent that it can be experienced as you experience physically interacting with the "real world." Some people prefer this real-world process of adult learning instead of obtaining knowledge online. They need to touch, see and feel something to understand how it works.

If this is you, you may prefer one-on-one experiential learning, personal interaction as your learning platform. Get a friend to help and mentor you if you can't afford to pay a professional. Maybe a family member or coworker has a skill you would like to obtain. Ask them to teach you; in return, you can help them learn something you know a lot about.

You can sign up for free adult learning classes given in your local area. Your local Chamber of Commerce, colleges and universities, fraternal organizations, and churches often give professional development classes on various adult learning subjects without charging a fee.

Considered webinars?

A quick web search for seminars in your city might reveal more local, real-world learning experiences that can contribute to your lifelong learning process.

Apps and blogs can teach you a lot. So can websites, online webinars, and online courses. There are so many virtual adult learning tools you can teach yourself about anything. The self directed learning tools are just as limitless. 

Corporate learning opportunities can also be utilized. Many corporations have adult education that supplements formal training opportunities.

Think about how you learn most effectively. Then start building a learning toolbox that's suited to your learning style.

Learning the way that feels most comfortable to you will help you enjoy the experience. That means loving a lifelong learning approach rather than regretting when you have to learn something new.

Are you frustrated with where you are in your professional career? Are you not getting the professional opportunities that you desire? Lifelong learners don't wait for somebody to take care of them. Lifelong learners take care of their personal growth by engaging in their own self directed learning for their own sake.

Want to learn more about Lifelong Learning?

Check out our Agile Meridian communities and our YouTube channel.