Self Directed Learning for Adults: Reading Books for Self Education
These days, many organizations are not investing as much in training and developing their employees as they used to. Therefore, self directed learning for adults is more important today than ever. Common forms of self directed learning are reading books, watching videos such as TED Talks, and taking online courses.
The late Jim Rohn once said:
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
What are your thoughts on the quote? Are you looking to make a fortune? Is self education a part of your life? What does your self education reading list look like right now? I can see your eyes glazing over.
Self education reading list, what's that?
It is a list of books that you plan to read to learn new things, hopefully, things to accelerate your career. It's an essential reading list for professionals. Self directed learning is critical for success.
I am participating in the Strategic Reading Challenge to learn the 10 key skills needed for future jobs, so I am reading books for career development. Are you like me, someone, who has too many books to read?
I find recommendations for books to read in many places. And I love to read books that were written a long time ago. I am looking for a way to blend ancient and modern wisdom. Haven’t quite found a way to do that yet. I am also looking for that one nugget. I love reading books. And I love watching TED Talks, although I must confess that I haven’t watched as many as I should. But I have watched a couple of them that talk about reading books.
As I get older, I am reading books more intelligently. And I guess that comes with the wisdom that comes with age. I am also reading a lot more books that are teaching me in-demand skills. I am reading more diverse books.
When I am reading, I am always open to finding the unexpected, and I sometimes do. The more books I read, the more I am able to combine ideas from the different books in unexpected ways. And that’s important, because reading books should never be done in a vacuum. When you read, it’s worth the extra effort to combine the ideas from the books you read. You already invested the time in reading the books, why not go the extra mile.
UPDATE: First Published May 2017
Have you read?
A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young, Review]
[The Invisible Man by HG Wells vs. The Whip by Karen Kondazian]
Self Directed Learning for Adults: TED Talks about Reading Books
Lisa Bu: How books can open your mind: I watched this TED Talk a few years ago and it really inspired me, so I thought I would share it with you.
Ann Morgan: My year reading a book from every country in the world: I think it’s a worthy goal to read books by authors born in every UN recognized country in the world. Imagine the level of understanding you’ll gain from reading such culturally diverse books. This is also a mind expanding endeavor.
Why I read a book a day (and why you should too): In this TED Talk, Tai Lopez says that books are mentors. Mentors provide a shortcut to the good life. When you read a book, look for that one nugget that has the potential to transform your life.
The First 20 Hours – How to Learn Anything: Josh Kaufman at TEDxCSU: I bought the book, The First 20 Hours, because I was interested in how you can learn anything in only 20 hours. After I watched the TEDx video, I got a better sense of what Josh Kaufman means by the first 20 hours. There are times when you need to learn about a topic of interest without becoming an expert. This process will help you.
Self Directed Learning for Adults: : The Essential Value of a Classic Education
This is not a TED Talk, but it’s an excellent primer on reading the right books. I love this video, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Essential Value of a Classic Education, that I have watched a few times because it gives insights into what makes a book great. If you want to read the right books, you want to understand how you could possibly choose them.
Reading the right books and watching TED Talks are good ways to develop the skills you need to succeed. And it also gives you the opportunity to produce more and better ideas.
3 Actions to Take
- Join the Strategic Reading Challenge to read the world as well as master in-demand skills.
- Join my Read the World Facebook group.
- Watch the TED Talks
Avil's Side Hustle: Short e-Books to Help You Get the Most Out of Reading
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My Bookshelf: Self Education Reading List
Deep Work
The Startup PlaybookGamestormingJourney to the End of the NightChoose Yourself!The Power ParadoxComic-Con and the Business of Pop CultureThe Long GoodbyeTested Advertising MethodsChildren of the Jacaranda Tree: A Novel
