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. The development of society is changing rapidly, and 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" for a long time. Even after failing the postgraduate entrance exam twice, I still held onto this matter. Later on, I didn't pursue a career in my major, but instead chose an industry and position that I liked. However, I still felt guilty and sorry for myself, thinking that I betrayed myself after studying my major for four years.
This was my narrow-mindedness at the time, stubbornly believing that my "major" had to perfectly match my "job". In fact, stepping out of my original major might open up more opportunities. I can explore more possibilities and constantly ask myself 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 am not limiting myself too much. I have enough courage to try. Continuous trial and error, continuous failure, 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 before. I should learn whatever I am interested in. By following my curiosity, I can find something that truly interests me. If this thing can also meet the needs of society, 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 irreplaceable about me to the company? What is my so-called unique competitiveness? 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 is probably 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 be so narrow-minded. 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 just an employee of a company.
The Smaller the Desire for Something, the Fewer Worries#
Any ultimate goal achieved will lead to new goals. Therefore, there are actually no ultimate goals and purposes. The most important thing is to follow the feelings in your heart and live each day to the fullest.
In the past year or two, I have become more utilitarian and impatient. The mentality of seeking quick success and instant benefits has almost spread to every aspect of my life. It is better to enjoy and care more about the process. 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 constraints for myself, whether tangible or intangible, conscious or unconscious. I am always rushing towards my next so-called "goal" without fully appreciating whether those goals are truly correct or important. Are they worth giving up so much? It is not worth it. It is better to relax, follow the feelings in my heart, live each day well, rather than over-judging, making too many assumptions, and being bound by various worries. There is no road that must be taken.
Retirement: Not Sacrificing Today for the Imagined Tomorrow#
The state of retirement is actually about not sacrificing today for the imagined tomorrow. When you live in the present moment and spend each day with a fulfilled heart, you have achieved the state of 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 "imagined future". It is actually sacrificing the present for the imagined tomorrow. If I can't live today well, how can I live my so-called "future" well?
Start with Books that Interest Me 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 thought of "My life has limits, but knowledge has no limits." I felt overwhelmed by the things I wanted to learn and often fell into anxiety, not knowing where to start. I always set high goals for myself and even approached book selection with a strong utilitarian mindset. This made reading a tiring task. 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 purposes. Just develop the habit, even if it's just reading for a few minutes every day. Take it easy. Once this 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 in the past. This way, 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 do that? A large part of it was because I was influenced by the people around me, who believed that girls were 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 reasonableness. 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 and identity.
Accepting the Limitations of Each Stage#
Human predictive ability has its limitations, but many things can still function correctly even in the presence of information blind spots.
This sentence is used to explain the "complexity theory". Understanding this point can bring more clarity to many past choices. Each stage has its limitations that are difficult to break through, and it is hard to be fully prepared. 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 just one mistake 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#
Establishing a solid foundation for high-quality 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 insightfully 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 have mastered these, you will not be intimidated by any reading material. Deeply understanding supply and demand relationships, labor relations, game theory, and other issues can better adapt to modern society.