How to Change Yourself Through Continuous Learning

An exciting shift is happening in our culture. A growing number of people — led by Millennials and Gen Z — are discovering the value of continuous learning.

A recent survey reveals that the majority of Millennials and Gen Z believe that succeeding in their careers requires that they continually gather new knowledge and update their skills. While older generations weren’t as supportive, all of those surveyed reported that engaging in continuous learning made them feel “fulfilled,” “accomplished,” and “motivated.”

“Continuous learning is a catalyst for change,” says Nellie Wartoft, CEO and Founder of Tigerhall. “When you commit to it, you become more adaptable and resilient. We live in an era of rapid transformations and increasing uncertainty. Embracing continuous learning allows you to navigate the future confidently, changing as the times require.”

Wartoft is a Swedish entrepreneur who launched the organizational enablement platform Tigerhall in 2019, revolutionizing how professionals share knowledge and learn from one another in the real world. Tigerhall bridges the skills gap by providing actionable insights from industry experts, or “Thinkfluencers,” delivered in ways that leverage common user behaviors familiar to people from their favorite social apps. Under Wartoft’s leadership, Tigerhall has quickly gained traction with users across 32 countries and has employees in 12 markets.

Wartoft is also a huge advocate for social mobility across the world. A driving goal of the work she does through Tigerhall is opening doors for everyone to achieve their dreams by having access to the best continuous learning resources in the industry.

“What Millennials and Gen Z know is that learning is not just about receiving information,” Wartoft says. “It’s about ongoing exploration and understanding. As digital natives, they have used social platforms their entire lives to integrate continuous learning and exploration into their daily lives. They know that learning is not a one-time event, but a habit and ongoing process.”

The power of continuous learning

Nothing is as empowering as a commitment to continuous learning. Those who stop learning get left behind. Only by committing to continuous learning can individuals realize their full potential.

One of the key benefits of continuous learning is adaptability. Change is a constant in today’s culture, and learning is a critical part of understanding and navigating change. When we stop learning, we begin losing our ability to play an active role in the culture.

Continuous learning also fuels the type of global perspective that is critical in today’s culture. New ideas, experiences, and interactions expand our worldview, allowing us to see beyond the confines of our own context. Continuous learners can empathetically engage with today’s complex, interconnected global community.

Self-confidence is one of the key benefits of continuous learning, as each experience with new skills or new knowledge makes you more capable and well-informed. When you push yourself to master a new skill, it reveals your ability to work through challenges and achieve your goals. In this way, continuous learning compounds your inner belief in yourself and your ability to perform with self-assurance.

As continuous learning equips you with new skills, it also empowers you for greater social mobility. New skills bring new qualifications and new opportunities, which open doors to greater earning potential, allowing each new skill to become a stepping stone toward a better life.

“Continuous learning is the key to achieving a future where everyone, regardless of their origin or circumstances, has the chance to thrive,” says Wartoft. “It empowers us to chase our dreams without being held back by our starting point. Where you come from should never, ever, get in the way of where you want to go. Continuous learning ensures that it doesn’t.”

Leveraging continuous learning for career growth

Continuous learning is critical for anyone who hopes to thrive in today’s business world.

“The modern business landscape is complex, ever-changing, and globally interconnected,” Wartoft says. “To navigate that landscape effectively, employees need to understand, not just know. Those who embrace continuous learning bring that capacity for understanding into the workplace. They are the ones who provide the adaptability that today’s businesses need.”

The processes and methodologies in today’s workplaces are constantly evolving, driven in large part by the rapid pace of technological change. Continuous learning allows employees to keep pace by showing up to work every day with relevant skills.

“Growing your career requires adopting a growth mindset,” Wartoft explains. “It requires engaging in a constant cycle of curiosity, discovery, and application. Don’t settle for static, outdated information. Find a way to be a part of a collaborative community of continuous learning, find mentors who are masters at their craft and willing to share their expertise with you, and always remember that understanding and adaptability are your competitive advantage.”

Growth — be it in either your personal or professional life — requires nourishment, and continuous learning provides that nourishment. It drives growth through all stages of your journey, whether you are a 20-something or a 70-something, and equips you for any challenge, enabling you to become resilient, adaptable, and future-ready.