Guest post by Sean Morris

A great community leader should be eager to learn, grow and adapt. Fortunately, there are countless ways to become a lifelong learner. Below, discover a few of the best approaches you can take to expand your horizons and grow as a leader. 

Learning Through Service 

Getting involved in important causes is one of the best ways to continue your educational growth outside of school. Here are a few things to consider. 

  • Start a service project like selling Yuda Bands to fund educational opportunities for kids.
  • Consider volunteering abroad, which can help you develop invaluable soft skills.  
  • In addition to helping you learn new skills, volunteering near or far can benefit your career.  

Continuing Your Education 

Doing acts of service is one of the best ways to expand your horizons and keep learning, but attending classes can also help you be a lifelong learner. 

  • Continuing education can also help you network and explore new topics, even if you don’t earn a degree. 
  • Earning an online degree through an MBA program can help advance your career. 
  • You can also learn a lot through informal community education classes. Consider signing up for music lessons, art classes or other similar programs. 

Other Ways to Keep Learning  

Aside from going back to school or getting involved in local causes, there are numerous other ways to expand your knowledge in your free time. 

  • Getting in the habit of reading is one of the best ways to be a lifelong learner. Any topic can expand your knowledge, but books about leadership can be a great place to start. 
  • Learning a new language enriches your life, but might also make it easier for you to connect with others in your community. 
  • Even picking up a new hobby can expand your mind. Starting new hobbies can also help you network and befriend people who have similar interests. 

Many of us get stuck in the belief that learning tapers off once you’re out of school. However, learning has no age limit, and that’s a concept that the best community learners embrace. Going back to school, learning a new activity or getting into volunteering are all ways to further your education while also making new connections and becoming a better leader.