Mental health is a very important topic. Many of us simply do not take the time to consider our mental state, either because we are too busy or we do not understand its importance.
However, mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes it can even be considered more significant.
Self-actualization is one aspect of mental wellness that is not understood by everyone.
It refers to the process of meeting one’s potential and fulfilling what their talents can accomplish.
Put simply, it is the realization of becoming your best self.
If you want to pursue self-actualization and become the best possible version of yourself, then you must understand the significance of education.
No one starts life with the knowledge they need to survive, let alone thrive. All that information is acquired through learning.
Just because a formal education from school has ended does not mean that you should stop learning.
To pursue self-actualization, here are some strategies to invest in educating yourself further.
Watch YouTube Tutorials
YouTube can be a great source of entertainment and relaxation, but it can also be incredibly educational.
There are almost a billion videos hosted on this giant platform, many of which are geared toward educating others about specific subjects.
This makes it an easy and free method of learning that you can access from your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV.
Specifically, YouTube tutorials can be found for almost any skill set, from marketing to woodworking to planting a garden to installing a roof.
Though these educational YouTube tutorials may lack some of the practical applications of a classroom setting, they can provide you with baseline knowledge and a step-by-step process to learn certain skills.
Take Online Classes
If you want to go one step further for an online education, then you can take virtual classes.
Whether you attend formal college courses online or simply find free courses on sites like Coursera or Skillshare, virtual learning can be a valuable experience.
There are many debates about e-learning versus classroom learning, but the main benefit of online classes is that you can take them from the comfort of your own home.
Plus, many of these online courses offer certifications, which can demonstrate to others, including potential employers, that you have the skills to complete certain tasks.
It is never too late to learn, and doing so can boost your mental health and further your journey toward realizing your potential.
Engage in Educational Discussions
Sometimes the best way to learn about a new subject is to talk about it with people who know more than you do.
That way, you can have a back-and-forth where you ask questions and they provide answers.
Fortunately, there are many discussion platforms that you can access from your devices, so this method of learning can be very convenient.
One such platform is called Usenet. Usenet is a network of servers that is outside of the Internet. Users connect to this network to engage in discussions on specific topics known as newsgroups.
Articles can be uploaded by users and downloaded by others, and all discussions are unregulated.
Specifically, if you want to learn more about computing, the sciences, humanities, or recreation/entertainment, then find cheap Usenet providers so you can connect to this discussion forum.
Get Real World Experience
Learning new skills or topics can be convenient from your phone or computer, but it rarely beats the value of real-world experience.
If you want to know more about the history of the United States, you can read about it online, of course.
However, it may be more valuable to travel to places like Philadelphia for real-world experience that also manages to teach you about that topic.
Similarly, you can watch all the woodworking videos on YouTube, but if you never start cutting some lumber and hammering nails into it, then how much will you actually learn?
Real-world experience can sometimes teach you things much faster than an online platform because you are forced to adapt to the situation in real-time.
You can start your educational journey with online resources and books, but make sure you get out there and find real-world applications to really boost your learning.
Engage Your Mind to Reach Your Potential
Self-actualization is more of a process than a goal. If you are continuing to better yourself in various ways, then you are accomplishing the realization of your potential. Education is a key aspect of this process.
There could be undiscovered passions that you have that will never be unearthed if you do not exercise your mind by learning about the world around you.
The more engaged your mind is, the more likely you are to find what you are passionate about and realize your true potential as a unique individual.
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The bottom line
The journey of self-education is not a one-size-fits-all path but a diverse landscape filled with different strategies to educate yourself.
Whether you choose to delve into online tutorials, immerse yourself in virtual classes, or gain wisdom through real-world experiences, the key is to remain committed to your growth.
This guide has provided you with a comprehensive look at various avenues you can explore to achieve self-actualization and mental well-being.
Remember, the most important investment you can make is in yourself, and utilizing different strategies to educate yourself is the first step towards a fulfilling life.
