Importance of Learning

Having had the wonderful privledge of being a part of education for, well I guess pretty much my whole life, I have come to really understand how important it is that we not take the learning process for granted. I love this statement by Henry B. Eyring, “Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn.” This is such a great reminder that we must never stop having the desire to learn.

What I have found over time is that learning is not something that sits on a plateau, we are either learning, or we are not. The difference for me is whether or not I am really concious to what I am learning and if I am applying the things that are being taught. One of the items that is important here is to not get caught in the thinking that when we talk about learning, we are talking about a teacher in the front of the classroom. Learning can come from anywhere, we just need to keep ourselves open to what is going on around us.

I feel I have been truly blessed to have amazing teachers throughout my life. One of the greatest teachers has been my mom. Here is a person who has given her life to the service and uplifting of others. I have seen her battle through challenges, trials and difficulties that have devestated the lives of others. However, she has kept her head up and has really been a light to all those who come in contact with her. As a youth, I remember many times watching my mom share a lesson or message and think, wow, that is my mom, she is amazing. I never have left the presence of my mom without learning something. More often than not it is how my mom would act or treat others that taught me the most. I wish I would have been even more concious to the learning that I could have received while in my youth but none the less, I have been forever changed.

It is critical that we never forget that learning is a continous process. As we get older, the learning process will often come from when we teach others something. This has been one of the most joyous revelations in my life. I guess that is why my energy level rises and my heart beats faster anytime I get the opportunity to teach others. In my preperations, I end up learning so much and at times even feel like it is not fair to those I teach because I may have learned more than what I taught.

Why is learning so important?
• Increases knowledge
• Helps you critically think
• Gives you confidence
• Teaches you good habits
• Helps build a strong foundation
• Helps you with job opportunities
• Opportunity to make more money
• Be an example for others

For those that are still in the decision phase about your next steps in life, learning is something that is inseperablly connected to your ability to provide for the necessities of life. Thus, your earnings are a result of your learnings. One thing interesting here is that when I talk about earning, it is more than just money. Earning is so important in all aspects of your life.

Ask the following questions to ensure you are maximizing your opportunities to earn:
• Am I focusing on what I am passionate about?
• What did I learn today?
• What are the goals you are focused on today?
• Did you put service before self today?

I truly hope that you will take advantage of every opportunity to learn. As you do so, you will open up a world that is filled with happiness, joy, excitement and reward. You owe it to yourself to be a lifeling learner. Now, time to learn.