Self-studying for personal development
Imagine if I said that studying is not just for getting a job or for continuing professional development. Imagine if there were more to it than that. Something that is in our human nature. Humans have always wanted to learn!
I’m a prime example. I cannot work a job due to disabilities, but I’m taking courses all of the time. Not because I hope to ever be able to work a job, but because I want to develop my mind and challenge myself. I think that’s natural and kinda necessary to thrive as a human being as well! If we don’t challenge ourselves, especially when we don’t have a day job or other activity we will most certainly become depressed and aimless. I think learning is a human right, not just for children but for adults as well.
HOW I STUDY FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
I study entirely self-paced courses. It’s a requirement I have if I’m thinking about enrolling in a course or program, I always look at how long it is and only enroll in courses that are entirely self-paced or say something like “lifetime access”. I have one exception to this rule, and that is my diploma in Psychology which I study formally here in Sweden.
The reason why I need a course to be self-paced is because of my disabilities. I can schedule my energy levels and my health, so because of that I naturally gravitate towards more flexible courses.
WHAT COUNTS AS AN ACHIEVEMENT?
I think anything can count, but for me personally, I enjoy seeing my course certificates in my portfolio binder. So I tend to study for external qualifications, for example, a diploma or certification. It’s not just to keep in a binder, but also proof of an achievement and something I may use in the future. So sure, thinking about opportunities is something all of us do, so I make sure to save all my credentials for future reference, even though I study for personal benefit. Just let me dream of someday being able to use them for a job opportunity… But self-learning is valuable within itself too, and I would never pretend otherwise.
THE ABILITY TO MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM FURTHER EDUCATION (YOUR OWN CUSTOM DEGREE)
Right now I’m studying for a Psychology diploma that focuses on behavioral sciences and counseling psychology and a Philosophy degree with a focus on metaphysical sciences and religious studies.
The one big plus with self-directed learning is that you can make your own custom education and focus on what you are interested in. It’s not like elementary school or even high school where the subjects are handed to you. College and University are quite structured as well, but some of them are flexible and let you build your own degree. That’s how I managed to study so many different subjects!
I take both college-level courses (although no college credits because I won’t pay for that, however, certificates are good enough for me), regular vocational training courses, non-accredited but still valuable information courses, specialization programs, and two college degree programs. All of these together make my higher education something completely else because it’s based on my own unique interests!
Imagine what I can do to help people with all the knowledge in the future? If not in a work setting, maybe in my interpersonal relationships, social life, or while volunteering for human rights.
