1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:02,870 Technology is rapidly changing. 2 00:00:02,870 --> 00:00:05,950 As soon as you've learned one language, library, framework or 3 00:00:05,950 --> 00:00:10,910 tool, another appears that makes what you've just learned obsolete. 4 00:00:10,910 --> 00:00:15,420 As a software developer, you'll experience the pace of technological innovation 5 00:00:15,420 --> 00:00:18,060 in a very direct, personal way. 6 00:00:18,060 --> 00:00:19,340 The technology that you learn and 7 00:00:19,340 --> 00:00:23,810 use today won't be the same technology that you'll learn and use in the future. 8 00:00:25,120 --> 00:00:28,400 This treadmill of change feels disheartening. 9 00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:31,720 Time spent learning should never feel like time wasted. 10 00:00:31,720 --> 00:00:34,570 Luckily, this couldn't be further from the truth. 11 00:00:34,570 --> 00:00:37,880 Learning something today, even if it's obsolete tomorrow, 12 00:00:37,880 --> 00:00:39,800 prepares you to be a better developer. 13 00:00:40,950 --> 00:00:44,550 Every time that you've learned a new technology, whether it's a language, 14 00:00:44,550 --> 00:00:46,070 library, framework, or 15 00:00:46,070 --> 00:00:49,850 tool, you grow your basic understanding of software development. 16 00:00:49,850 --> 00:00:53,750 You'll begin to see the commonalities between different technologies. 17 00:00:53,750 --> 00:00:58,050 You'll start to realize that they're not as different as they might initially seem. 18 00:00:58,050 --> 00:01:02,530 And the more you learn, the more easily you'll see these similarities. 19 00:01:02,530 --> 00:01:05,340 You'll also get better at the learning process itself. 20 00:01:05,340 --> 00:01:08,810 Just like with any skill, the more often you practice learning, 21 00:01:08,810 --> 00:01:10,520 the easier it'll become. 22 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:13,950 That will give you the ability to ramp up quickly on new technologies 23 00:01:13,950 --> 00:01:15,630 as they emerge. 24 00:01:15,630 --> 00:01:20,035 Being a software developer means being a lifelong learner. 25 00:01:20,035 --> 00:01:25,080 Lifelong learners recognize that learning doesn't just happen in school or at work. 26 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:29,060 It's an on going process that can happen any time anywhere. 27 00:01:29,060 --> 00:01:35,030 They're self motivated, self directed and always excited to learn something new. 28 00:01:35,030 --> 00:01:38,820 Let me be clear, being a lifelong learner as a software developer 29 00:01:38,820 --> 00:01:43,650 isn't about learning each latest and greatest shiny technology as it emerges. 30 00:01:43,650 --> 00:01:48,020 There are a wide range of soft skills that developers also need to learn 31 00:01:48,020 --> 00:01:51,920 from communication skills to time management skills. 32 00:01:51,920 --> 00:01:55,250 Accept that it's impossible to learn everything and 33 00:01:55,250 --> 00:01:58,890 treat your available learning time as a limited resource. 34 00:01:58,890 --> 00:02:01,390 That'll help you to budget your time carefully and 35 00:02:01,390 --> 00:02:03,570 make the right decisions about what to learn. 36 00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:08,720 As a lifelong learner, you might feel like you have to always be learning, but 37 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:10,690 it's okay to take breaks. 38 00:02:10,690 --> 00:02:14,150 Doing so will help you to stay committed and focused. 39 00:02:14,150 --> 00:02:16,960 Remember, lifelong learning isn't a sprint. 40 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:19,330 It's a marathon, so learn how to pace yourself. 41 00:02:20,700 --> 00:02:23,410 It also helps to develop good learning habits. 42 00:02:23,410 --> 00:02:27,378 Schedule time for learning so that it becomes part of your regular routine. 43 00:02:27,378 --> 00:02:32,080 Have a plan so that you know what it is that you need or want to learn. 44 00:02:32,080 --> 00:02:37,020 And track your progress by keeping a log, or writing a journal or blog. 45 00:02:37,020 --> 00:02:39,690 Be sure to also vary your learning methods. 46 00:02:39,690 --> 00:02:44,620 Mix things up by taking an in person class, or by reading a book, or 47 00:02:44,620 --> 00:02:48,430 collaborate with some other developers while learning the same things as you are. 48 00:02:48,430 --> 00:02:52,170 Working on a project as a group is a great way to practice what you've learn. 49 00:02:53,290 --> 00:02:56,450 The benefits of being a lifelong learner are numerous. 50 00:02:56,450 --> 00:03:00,005 Lifelong learning keeps you relevant to employers, your mind sharp, 51 00:03:00,005 --> 00:03:04,180 fuels creativity and innovation, increase the social interaction and 52 00:03:04,180 --> 00:03:06,670 more than anything, it's fun. 53 00:03:06,670 --> 00:03:10,567 Become a better developer today and start your journey as a lifelong learner.