The Endless Pursuit of Learning
As I updated my LinkedIn profile's licenses and certifications section, it unexpectedly became a reflective journey. It made me realize the wealth of knowledge I've accumulated through a lifelong commitment to learning. These experiences, now seamlessly integrated into my organizational development practice, have become an integral part of my professional identity.
Greg Levoy, in an insightful Psychology Today article, asserts that being a lifelong learner is a survival mechanism, linking one's attachment to life with an ongoing interest in it. According to Levoy, ceasing to learn implies ceasing to teach and abandoning the ability to role-model the art of discovery. He considers it essential to cultivate a "beginner's mind," like the alertness of children fully awake to the world.
I candidly admit to occasionally questioning the motives behind my persistent pursuit of new learnings. I have even found myself asking, “Why learn so much? Is it a manifestation of insecurity about my depth of knowledge?” Exposure to great minds in various certifications, such as the awe-inspiring Dr. Daniel Siegel, triggered my self-doubt. Siegel's ability to seamlessly integrate a vast reservoir of knowledge into an exceptional teaching experience is a constant inspiration, awakening my awareness of the vast realms of knowledge I haven’t discovered yet.
I have realized that this pursuit of learning beyond what my professional licenses mandate maintains my interest in life, even when confronted with the paradox, "The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know."
I persist in this pursuit despite the fact that each newly acquired piece of knowledge presents a challenge in forming my opinions on crucial debates. And it’s this way because the multitude of theories, perspectives, opinions, and information come with their counterparts. Even evidence-based theories encounter challenges from dissenting voices armed with counter-evidence.
Thus, I've attempted to follow advice about avoiding confirmation bias by exploring and understanding opposing viewpoints. Maybe I've reached a point where I avoid strongly asserting beliefs, fearing it might seem presumptuous, given the availability of valid counterarguments to everything that I think I know. So, I keep intensifying my pursuit of new knowledge.
Therefore, I conclude that my ceaseless quest for learning may not be an unconscious strategy to cope with self-doubt but a recognition that there is a lot of knowledge yet to be uncovered. It's not about enhancing my ability to debate effectively regarding my opinions but about cultivating a deeper understanding of others. It's not an attempt to learn everything comprehensively, but an acknowledgment that new knowledge continues to evolve. Seeking to keep pace is not a manifestation of insecurity but a testament to curiosity.
After all, endless learning isn't just a pursuit; it's a lifestyle.
What insights have you gained on your personal learning journey? Care to share?
Revised November 2023
Written by Annie-Mariel Arroyo, PH.D
Dr. Annie-Mariel Arroyo-Calixto is a practiced organizational psychologist with more than 28 years of professional experience in organizational change and leadership development. Dr. Arroyo is the founder of Culture To Fit, where for the past 22 years, she has helped leaders build or reshape their organizational culture and lead transformation. She is a seasoned leadership educator and a renowned executive coach known for her ability to guide leaders in gaining deeper insights and self-growth.
