Be a Lifelong Learner

Technology is rapidly changing. 0:00 As soon as you've learned one language, library, framework, or 0:02 tool, another appears that makes what you've just learned obsolete. 0:06 As a software developer, you'll experience the pace of technological innovation 0:10 in a very direct, personal way. 0:15 The technology that you learn and 0:18 use today won't be the same technology that you'll learn and use in the future. 0:19 This treadmill of change feels disheartening. 0:25 Time spent learning should never feel like time wasted. 0:28 Luckily, this couldn't be further from the truth. 0:31 Learning something today, even if it's obsolete tomorrow, 0:34 prepares you to be a better developer. 0:37 Every time that you learn a new technology, whether it's a language, 0:40 library, framework or 0:44 tool, you grow your basic understanding of software development. 0:46 You'll begin to see the commonalities between different technologies. 0:49 You'll start to realize that they're not as different as they might initially seem. 0:52 And the more you learn, the more easily you'll see these similarities. 0:57 You'll also get better at the learning process itself. 1:02 Just like with any skill, 1:05 the more often you practice learning, the easier it'll become. 1:06 That will give you the ability to rev up quickly on new technologies 1:10 as they emerge. 1:13 Being a software developer means being a lifelong learner. 1:15 Lifelong learners recognize that learning doesn't just happen in school or at work. 1:20 It's an ongoing process that can happen anytime, anywhere. 1:25 They're self-motivated, self-directed, and always excited to learn something new. 1:28 But let me be clear. 1:35 Being a lifelong learner as a software developer 1:36 isn't about learning each latest and greatest, shiny technology as it emerges. 1:38 There are a wide range of soft skills that developers also need to learn, 1:43 from communication skills to time management skills. 1:48 Except that it's impossible to learn everything, and 1:51 treat your available learning time as a limited resource. 1:55 That will help you to budget your time carefully and 1:58 make the right decisions about what to learn. 2:01 As a lifelong learner, you might feel like you have to always be learning. 2:04 But it's okay to take breaks. 2:08 Doing so will help you to stay committed and focus. 2:10 Remember, lifelong learning isn't to sprint, it's a marathon. 2:14 So learn how to pace yourself. 2:18 But it also helps to develop good learning habits. 2:20 Schedule time for learning, so 2:23 that it becomes part of your daily regular routine. 2:24 Have a plan, so that you know what it is that you need or want to learn. 2:27 And track your progress by keeping a log, or writing a journal or blog. 2:32 Be sure to also vary your learning methods. 2:36 Mix things up by taking an in person class, or by reading a book. 2:39 Or collaborate with some other developers who are learning the same 2:44 things as you are. 2:47 Working on a project as a group is a great way to practice what you have learned. 2:48 The benefits of being a lifeong learner are numerous. 2:53 Lifelong learning keeps you relevant to employers, your mind sharp, 2:56 fuels creativity and innovation, increases social interaction. 3:00 And more than anything, it's fun. 3:03 Become a better developer today. 3:05 Start your journey as a lifelong learner. 3:08