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Have you ever wanted to learn something new but felt overwhelmed about where to start? Whether it’s picking up a new instrument, mastering a foreign language, or even tackling something as complex as coding, the journey to acquiring a new skill can seem daunting. But what if I told you that with the right approach, learning any skill can not only be manageable but also enjoyable?
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven straightforward steps that can transform the way you approach learning. From the importance of starting immediately to the power of a growth mindset, these tips are designed to guide you through your learning journey. So, if you’re ready to embark on a path of rapid skill acquisition and personal growth, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to learning any skill effectively!
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1. Start immediately
The first step in mastering a new skill is to begin right away. There’s a huge misconception that learning has to start at a “perfect” time. In reality, the best way to learn is to dive in headfirst. Whether it’s mastering a musical instrument or public speaking, the early hours of practice might feel daunting, but they are crucial. As Josh Kaufman explains in his TEDx talk about the 20-hour rule, the initial period is where the most important subskills are developed.
So, whatever that skill is that you have wanted to learn for ages, start with it right after you’re done reading this blog post. Take that first step, no matter how big or small. The important thing is to get momentum going as soon as possible. Don’t give your motivation the chance to wane and be replaced by doubts. The longer you think about the how, when, and where the more likely it is that you won’t get started at all.
2. Decide on one source to learn from and stick with that
It can be tempting to gather new information from various sources like YouTube videos, online courses, or a new book. After all, you want to find the best way to learn this skill, so you need to compare strategies, right?
The problem is, that too many sources can lead to confusion. Which plan should you follow? What do you do, if they contradict each other? Too much research gets you stuck in information overload, a place where many people quit before they even properly start.
That’s why you should pick one reliable source, whether it’s a specific course for learning a new language or a series of videos for mastering speed reading, and stick with it for a long time. This focus prevents the spread of bad habits and ensures a more efficient learning process.
Once you have mastered everything that source can teach you or if you get stuck at a certain point, only then can you find additional information to supplement your material.
3. Make it bite-sized
Break down the learning process into smaller parts. This is an effective way to manage the workload and prevent feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you’re learning a new instrument, instead of trying to learn an entire song in one go, focus on mastering a single chord or a specific melody line. Rachel Wu, an associate professor of psychology, suggests that breaking down tasks makes it easier for adults to learn different skills.
You want to make the task that you set yourself small enough, that you’d feel pathetic for not getting it done. The goal is that you can’t even convince yourself that you do not have the time in the day to get it done.
4. Work on it every single day
Consistency is key. Even if it means dedicating only a small amount of time each day, the cumulative effect of these practice sessions is significant. Remember, it’s not about putting in a lot of time in one sitting but rather about making enough time regularly. Top performers in any field, from martial arts to professional skills, attribute their success to regular practice.
That’s why it was so important to break it down into small tasks. If you have these pathetically small tasks, you will easily be able to do them every single day.
There is another reason why it is better to work on your new skill daily instead of every workday or every other day. It’s so much easier to build a habit if there is no alternative routine for you to compare it to. You are not going to wish that it were Sunday because on Sunday you work on your skills as well. If you do your tasks at the same time every day all days of the week, it is going to become second nature to you and you will progress faster than you realize.
5. Adjust your mindset towards progress instead of results
A growth mindset, as popularized by Stanford University, is crucial. Instead of fixating on the desired result, focus on the progress you’re making. This mindset shift helps you appreciate the learning journey and keeps you motivated. Celebrate the small victories, like the first time you successfully play a chord or the improvement in your public speaking skills.
If you start learning a skill with the expectation to do all kinds of fantastic things, you will be disappointed every day that you haven’t reached that goal. On the other hand, if your only expectation is to see improvement, you will be able to acknowledge many little milestones along the way. Every little improvement is going to give you a motivational boost that carries you to the next milestone until you can do those fantastical things you have dreamed about.
6. Document your journey
Keeping track of your progress through a video diary or social media updates can be a great way to reflect on how far you’ve come and what new things you’ve learned. This can be as simple as jotting down notes in a journal, taking pictures, or sharing updates on your progress with new people online. It serves as a personal metaphor for your growth and a real reminder of your journey.
It’s also so very easy to forget just how far we have come. Sometimes you can’t see the progress until you have a clear comparison laid out in front of you. Let that proof of progress be your pride and joy as you get better and better.
7. Raise the difficulty
Once you feel comfortable at a certain level, it’s time to push your boundaries. This doesn’t mean jumping into advanced techniques immediately but rather incrementally increasing the challenge. If you’re learning a difficult skill like rocket science, start by understanding the most important sub-skills and then slowly move to more complex theories. This approach, in line with the Pareto Principle, ensures that you spend your time on the aspects that give the best results.
Ideally, you want to be slightly outside your comfort zone every single day. As soon as things feel too easy and you stop having any difficulties or doubts, it’s time to learn something new. So make sure to check in with yourself after every training and analyze the ease with which you have performed.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only learn a new skill more effectively but also enjoy the process of becoming a life-long learner. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and the best part is taking that first step and seeing where your learning journey takes you.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What is one skill you have wanted to learn for ages? If you are determined to start learning it today, comment GO GETTER down below. I am currently learning how to do a handstand. I have been wanting to do these fancy Yoga handstands that you see on social media. I have already made some progress and I know you will too, very soon.
Until next time, Felicity Seekers!
