Becoming a Lifelong Learner#
In the past, the traditional way of making money was to study for four years in college, obtain a degree, and work in a specific field for 30 years. However, things have changed. With the rapid development of society, it is now more important to master a new profession within 9 to 12 months than to choose the "right" major a long time ago.
When I read this paragraph, I realized that I used to place too much importance on choosing the "right" major. Even after failing the postgraduate entrance exam twice, I still dwelled on this matter for a long time. Later on, I didn't pursue a career in my major but chose to work in an industry and position that I liked. However, I still felt guilty and sorry for myself, as if I were a traitor to the four years I spent studying my major.
This was my narrow-mindedness at the time, as I stubbornly believed that my "major" had to perfectly match my "job." However, stepping out of my original major might open up more possibilities. I can explore what I truly like, what suits me, and what I want to do. In this painful process, my thinking has probably become more open-minded, and I no longer restrict myself too much. I have enough courage to try. Continuous attempts, continuous failures, and continuously getting back up again. This courage to make mistakes is probably quite valuable, allowing me to be more determined and cherish what I love.
Just like the saying in the book, "The most important skill for getting rich is to become a lifelong learner." I should not be confined by the major I studied. I should learn whatever interests me. By following my curiosity, I can find something I am truly interested in. If this thing can also meet societal needs, then there is a chance to gain some economic returns.
Not Limiting Identity to Being an Employee of a Company#
"If society can train others, these people can replace you." This has been a question that has troubled me for over a year. Sometimes I ask myself, what is it that makes me irreplaceable to the company? What unique competitive advantage do I have? Can a fresh graduate be trained to replace me? Has my human capital accumulated over time?
After asking myself these questions, I feel powerless and disappointed because I realize that both myself and my colleagues, even my superiors, can be replaced by the company at any time. Even if I put in 200% effort, it would probably be in vain because most positions do not require the display of so-called individuality. Most of us are just cogs in the machine.
Therefore, I have come to understand that I should not get stuck in a rut. The so-called self-realization, the so-called learning and growth, do not necessarily have to happen at work. I should not limit my identity to being an employee of a specific company.
The Smaller the Desire for Something, the Fewer the Worries#
Any ultimate goal achieved will lead to the emergence of new goals. Therefore, there are actually no ultimate goals or purposes. The most important thing is to follow the feelings in your heart and experience each day.
In the past year or two, I have become more and more utilitarian and impatient. The mentality of seeking quick success and instant benefits has permeated every aspect of my life. It is better to enjoy and care about the process more. Excessive anxiety is not suitable for making important decisions. I need to learn to relax my body and mind, even if it is just for fun.
Although I agree with the saying "Life is not a track, but a wilderness," I have always set too many boundaries for myself, whether tangible or intangible, conscious or unconscious. I am always rushing towards the next so-called "goal." But looking back, were those goals really correct? Were they really that important? Were they important enough for me to give up so much? They were not worth it. It is better to relax, follow the feelings in my heart, live each day well, rather than overanalyze, make too many assumptions, and be bound by various worries. There is no road that must be taken.
Retirement: Not Sacrificing Today for an Imagined Tomorrow#
The state of retirement is actually not sacrificing today for an imagined tomorrow. When you live in the present and spend each day with a fulfilled heart, you have achieved retirement.
I really like this description of a state of retirement. When I look at my own state in recent years, I seem to easily fall into restlessness and anxiety, worrying about things that have not happened yet, regretting and being entangled in unattainable goals, and suppressing my present self for the sake of my "imagined future." It is really sacrificing the present for the future. If I can't live each day well, how can I live my so-called "future" well?
Start with Books that Interest You the Most#
The most effective way to establish a new mental model is through extensive reading. The subject and content of the reading are not important. Eventually, you will follow your interests and complete a large amount of reading.
Before, I was trapped in the idea that "my life has limits, but knowledge has no limits." I felt overwhelmed by the things I wanted to learn and often became anxious, not knowing where to start. I always set high goals for myself and even approached book selection with a strong utilitarian mindset. I made reading a burden by attaching too many unrealistic "expectations" and "purposes" to it. I discussed this issue with my supervisor at the time, and she gave me the advice to start with books that interest me the most, without having too many goals in mind. She suggested developing the habit, even if it's just reading for a few minutes at a set time each day. Take it easy. Once the habit is formed, then move on to the next step.
Letting Go of Memory and Identity, Focusing on the Problem Itself#
My important goal is to break free from many learned responses, so that I can let go of memory or inherent cognition and judgment, make quick decisions, and make clearer choices.
This paragraph reminds me of my experience in high school. I studied science and technology, but in college, I chose a major in the humanities. Why did I make that choice? A large part of it was because I was influenced by the belief that "girls are not suitable for studying science and technology." At that time, I didn't have the ability to think independently, so I unconsciously accepted this belief and never questioned its validity. There are many similar stereotypes in life, and I hope not to be trapped by them. I should be braver and focus on the problem itself when making decisions, regardless of memory or identity.
Accepting the Limitations of Each Stage#
Human predictive ability has its limitations, but many things can still operate correctly even in the presence of information blind spots.
This sentence explains the "complexity theory." Understanding this point can bring more peace to many past choices. Each stage has its limitations that are difficult to break through. There will never be a time when you are fully prepared, and there will always be unknown information. So it is better to accept my "recklessness" and "youthfulness." Just like the lyrics of a song by Mayday: "My life is full of mistakes, one after another. After making a mistake, I start over. Maybe giving up some things will make life easier, but then I won't be myself anymore."
Reading Original Works and Classics#
Building a solid foundation for reading is very important. Read original works and classics to gain a comprehensive worldview and profound understanding. You will no longer be afraid of any book. If you have the ability to understand the essence of social phenomena, you will find true value and demand, and then keep up with the pace of social development. For example, you can read classic works in mathematics, science, and philosophy. Once you master these, you will not be intimidated by any book. By deeply understanding issues such as supply and demand, labor relations, and game theory, you can better adapt to modern society.