In today’s rapidly evolving world, continuous learning has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a necessity. Whether it’s to stay relevant in your career, to fuel your personal growth, or to simply satisfy your curiosity, continuous learning plays a crucial role. Let’s explore this concept further, drawing insights from Coursera founders and the beloved animated movie, Kung Fu Panda.
Continuous Learning: A Habit Worth Cultivating
In an interview, Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda and co-founder Andrew Ng emphasized the importance of cultivating a habit of continuous learning. They suggested that dedicating a small amount of time each week to learning can lead to transformative results over the course of a year or two. This aligns with the philosophy of lifelong learning, where learning is not confined to the years we spend in formal education but extends throughout our lifetime.
Aligning Learning with Personal Goals
Maggioncalda and Ng also stressed the importance of choosing courses that align with individual interests and career aspirations. This is where the concept of intrinsic motivation comes into play. When we are intrinsically motivated, we engage in an activity because we find it enjoyable and personally rewarding. By aligning our learning with our interests and goals, we can ensure that the process is enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
Lessons from Kung Fu Panda
The movie Kung Fu Panda provides a delightful illustration of these concepts. Po, the protagonist, is an unlikely hero – a clumsy, fun-loving panda who dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges, Po’s intrinsic motivation and continuous learning mindset enable him to achieve his dream.
Po’s journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and intrinsic motivation. He starts as a noodle-maker’s son with no Kung Fu skills, but through perseverance, he becomes the Dragon Warrior. Po’s transformation is not overnight. It’s a result of consistent effort and learning, reinforcing the idea that continuous learning can lead to transformative results. His journey is driven by his love for Kung Fu, a clear example of being intrinsically motivated and finding the learning process enjoyable and personally rewarding.
A key turning point in Po’s journey is when Master Shifu discovers that Po’s love for food can be used as a motivation for learning Kung Fu. Shifu ingeniously incorporates food into Po’s training, turning his intrinsic motivation into a powerful learning tool. This highlights the importance of aligning learning with personal interests and passions, a concept that is equally applicable in our own learning journeys.
Conclusion
Continuous learning is a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity and a habit of seeking knowledge. Whether it’s through online platforms like Coursera or through life experiences like Po’s journey in Kung Fu Panda, continuous learning can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
So, let’s take a leaf out of Po’s book and embrace the journey of continuous learning. After all, as Master Oogway says in Kung Fu Panda, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
References:
1. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/how-to-complete-a-course-on-coursera-ceo-and-co-founder-have-tips-12063731.html