Break free from routines
Contrary to what most people believe, science proves that you don’t essentially learn more and faster by practicing the exact same thing several times. A study shows that making slight changes during repeat practice sessions may help people master the skill faster than practicing the task in precisely the same way.
Injecting variety into learning a new skill may help fast track your progress and give you positive results earlier than expected. For instance, athletes like tennis players might practice a mix of forehands, backhands, and volleys altogether which way may initially feel harder than focusing on a single skill at a time.
"Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better." — Jim Rohn
Be adventurous
According to a researcher, learning becomes more effective (rather than it being passive) by exploring different locations. It is also connected to the fact that learning does not solely happen within the four corners of a room. Sometimes you have to exert an effort to explore different work places to see how it can benefit you in terms of retention and absorption of information. Science explains that different environmental cues can be associated to a certain material or skill that you’re trying to learn which makes it easier to recall later on.
This can also be applied in your quest for financial success. It’s good to be adventurous in terms of expanding your financial options as early as possible.
Don’t "overlearn"
People may feel that the longer you practice a certain skill, the more you’ll be good at it. Oftentimes, it leads to what we call "overlearning". Science belies this as it discovered that taking regular breaks will enhance one’s overall productivity as well as focus.
Another study reveals how "distributed practice" or breaking up learning into short sessions could be more beneficial as compared to exhausting so much time and effort.
The key is to create balance into your day by making sure that learning is always present without taking too much of your day which could lead to burnout.
Share your learning experience
The struggles of learning could be eased up if you have someone to share the experience with. Having someone to motivate you to continue on is important to help you stay on track. In connection to this, science also discovered that having someone to relay whatever you have learned could improve your performance level.
For instance, if you’re learning a foreign language, repeating what you have learned to another person helps improve your memory and mastery of that skill.
As you find new ways to develop new skills, don’t forget to find someone who can experience the journey with you to help boost your confidence levels.
Discontinue multitasking
Multiple research have concluded that turning into multitasking decreases your productivity and performance levels. This is also the reason why it’s hard to finish a book or master a skill, because you’re always interrupted by social media break or whatnot.
You can amplify your learning habits by staying focused on one activity at a time. Switching from one task to another will not only delay your progress but will also detract your cognitive ability to absorb/retain new information.
In a forum, Xerox CEO Ursula Burns emphasized the need pick specific places where you want to be great, rather than focusing your energies into many different things which is technically not feasible.
Learning is integral into achieving your fullest potential, hence, don’t ever stop finding opportunities to gain new skills and opportunities. Always work smart by knowing what your priorities are so you won’t get caught up with distractions. Lastly, make learning fun and enjoyable by treating it as a daily challenge to make you a better person.
