January 01, 2024
Do you sometimes feel bored and don’t know what to do? I don’t experience that, because as soon as I have a smartphone or a similar device in hand, that feeling becomes a thing of the past. But I’m not talking about mindless scrolling through social media or playing games. I mean investing in yourself and furthering your education. Let me explain what I mean by that.
Using Your Smartphone as a Knowledge Source
Almost everyone has a smartphone these days, and those who don’t at least have access to a computer. There’s no longer a need to attend seminars or courses in person. Most of it takes place online now, often even for free.
If you’re not interested in courses and prefer reading textbooks, then buy the e-book version. That way, you can engage in micro-learning while waiting for the bus, riding on the bus, sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, or waiting for the mechanic to repair your car. Use this time wisely and invest in yourself. Because the best returns come from investing in your personal development. And always be open to new topics, even if they don’t seem interesting to you at first.
Facing the Unknown with Openness
In my surroundings, I often notice that many people, especially from older generations, are skeptical of new technologies. Of course, it’s not necessary to enthusiastically embrace everything new right away. But it’s also not fair to dismiss something outright without truly giving it a try.
If you engage with a new idea or technology and still aren’t convinced afterward, you still have the right to reject it. At least you will have gained some basic knowledge. And remember: Just because a new technology isn’t perfect yet doesn’t mean it doesn’t have potential for improvement. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, blockchain, or renewable energy – with a little knowledge, you can form an informed opinion.
Rely on Reliable Sources
When furthering your education, make sure to choose reputable sources. Just like in the fitness industry, where influencers try to sell you expensive supplements, there are plenty of charlatans in education as well. Be cautious of tempting offers on social media and other platforms that promise free courses. Often, you’ll receive subpar information and unrealistic promises, only to end up paying for something that doesn’t deliver what it promised. Protect yourself from such fraudsters and use trustworthy educational sources.
Platforms for Your Education
Many official online learning platforms offer a wide range of free and paid courses for personal development.
Grow with Google
https://grow.google/intl/europe/
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Area9 Lyceum
https://area9lyceum.com/experience-adaptive/collections/
MIT OpenCourseWare
https://ocw.mit.edu/
LinkedIn Learning
https://learning.linkedin.com/
Skillshare
https://www.skillshare.com/en/
In addition to these and other official course platforms, there are more specific offerings. If, for example, you're interested in healthcare like me, consider courses from platforms like CAE Healthcare and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). For more specific interests, I recommend searching individual platforms to find courses that meet your needs.
Closing Words
So, my advice is: invest in yourself, be open to new things, and remain consistently ready for personal development. Then, all doors will be open to you.
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