“It is only when you are able to use the knowledge to get the life and business you want that you have finally started on your path to success.”
Madiba said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
But what is education really? A Wiki definition: Education: a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, or research. Any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels or acts may be considered educational. Allow me to focus on the last sentence – the fact that any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels or acts is considered educational.
Education
Everyone knows how important it is to stay in school, get a good education and graduate with a diploma or degree.
Education is key for success today but as the definition above states, where it comes from really doesn’t matter – experience, books, interests or formal institutional education or otherwise – it should have a formative effect on your thinking. Why is society to obsessed with emphasis on formal institutionalised education though? Has it got something to do with forms of status and success?
Truth is, it is only when you are able to use the knowledge to get the life and business you want that you have finally started on your path to success. Determination and drive gets you to really tap into your own reserves and abilities to do your best and actually succeed.
Informal versus formal learning
There are many different ways of learning/thinking/formatting; all very important. About 70% of learning today is thought to be informal. Informal learning can be ad hoc, strategically planned, in time or even by chance. It is usually relevant and directly related to the place and time in your world.
The victims today:
• The qualified professional feeling to succeed you need to add more formal education to get where you want to be – adding a MBA to an existing CA(SA) designation, for example.
• The student on the other hand (and the guardian pushing for a formal education as a condition for future help even) who wants to discover first life (informal learning) and then hopefully get formal education later if needed.
Are you really planning and listening to your real needs? And where you want to get? Why not be open to whatever is needed to get there, instead of the formal vs informal discussion? You will be learning regardless!
Cultivate a life of learning, seek opportunities for knowledge and go change your world! ❐
Author: Stanford Payne CA(SA) is an ICF Accredited Executive and Business Coach
