Personal Development

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!

Read also: 9 Signs You Won’t Achieve Your Goals (Success Blockers)

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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. 

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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!

Embarking on a journey towards your goals is exhilarating, but it’s crucial to recognize the potential roadblocks that could hinder your success. In this guide, we unveil 11 signs that might be holding you back from achieving your dreams. Identifying these success blockers is the first step toward overcoming them and forging a path toward your aspirations.

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1. You don’t truly desire your goals

Many people set goals halfheartedly. They want to stop smoking or start working out because that’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Too many people set goals that they think would be ‘nice to have’ and not ‘F#CK YES! I want that!’. 

If you are already undecided if you really want to achieve this goal then it is no wonder if you’ll give up on it somewhere along the way. 

You should only set goals that you truly want. Sometimes it’s not the end result that you desire but you want to avoid the penalty that comes from not accomplishing a goal. Nobody likes to hold presentations in class, but they hate a failing grade even more. 

Until you have found a big enough WHY for your goals, you will have a hard time pushing through the boring and uncomfortable times. 

2. You spend hours upon hours planning

Plans are important. You won’t arrive at a destination if you don’t know in which direction you need to go. Or you will arrive but far later and more strenuous than necessary. 

So yes, you should definitely have a plan on how to accomplish your goals. However, there is such a thing as too much planning. You can plan on how you’ll build a business as much as you want, if you don’t put in the actual work you won’t succeed at it. 

In fact, you most likely need far less planning than you think. All that’s really needed is to figure out the first small step necessary in achieving your goal. After you’ve taken that step you can think about what to do next. But act first! 

Successful people are not the ones with the most intricate plans for success. They stand out by being the people who take the most action no matter how messy it might be. 

3. You wait for the perfect time

Spoiler alert: There is no perfect time. Sure, it can be justified to postpone a new project until you are done with finals week or other stressful times in your life. However, with every day you keep waiting for the perfect time, it becomes less likely you will get started at all. 

That initial motivation and inspiration will slowly fade away bit by bit. And if you actually do get started on that perfect day, you will soon realize that things are still not as perfect as you hoped for them to be. 

Call it perfectionism or procrastination, either way waiting for the perfect time is a sure sign that you won’t achieve your goals. 

4. You talk more about your goals than you spend working on them

You can’t talk your goals into existence. Talking about them might make you feel all inspired and good about your future but it won’t actually get you any closer to making it a reality. 

​All that time you spend talking about your goal is time you could have been working on it. And the more time you waste between setting a goal and working on it, the less likely it will be that you accomplish it.

5. Your first step towards achieving the goal is too big

Most people get this huge motivational boost when they set new goals. Let’s say the goal is getting ripped. Full of motivation they go to the gym on the first day and do a one-hour workout. Unsurprisingly, they are far less motivated on the second day, after a week or after a month. Because let’s be real, going from nothing to working out for one hour a day is a huge step. Why don’t you make your first step something easy and fun? Your first step should be something you can stick with for a long time without much effort. 

​The bigger the tasks you set yourself, the less likely you are to accomplish them. 

6. You spend more time imagining things going wrong than turning out great

Mindset matters. Many successful people claim that mindset is 80% of success and strategy only 20% of it. The exact percentages are not important. What is important is that your mindset can either boost or hinder your success. If you spend more time imagining things going wrong than turning out right, then guess what results you will get.

7. You have no plan at all for what it takes to achieve this goal 

We have already mentioned that overplanning is bad. Well, no planning is equally as bad. You need at least a rough idea of what is needed to accomplish a goal. Otherwise, you will waste your time working on ineffective things and without any results of your hard work your motivation will dwindle away. 

8. You often think: If only there were more hours in a day.

If you are bad at managing your time with your current commitments, how do you expect you’ll do with an additional goal on top of that? Most people waste much time during the day on useless activities. All that time could go into working towards your goal. 

9. You spend a lot of time thinking about your ‘Plan B’

While the ‘burning all your bridges’ method works, it is a tad extreme. Having a plan B isn’t detrimental to your success, as long as it is nothing more than a fleeting thought in the back of your mind. As soon as you find yourself thinking about your Plan B on a daily basis, you should get worried that your Plan A will fail. 

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Now that we’ve shed light on these common success blockers, remember that awareness is your greatest ally. Use these insights to navigate the road ahead, adapting and evolving as needed. Don’t let these signs be roadblocks; instead, let them be stepping stones towards a more resilient and successful you.

Welcome, dear readers, to a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of our true potential. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the realm of exceptional living, exploring eleven transformative habits that have the power to elevate your daily existence. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional success, or a deeper sense of fulfillment, these habits will guide you toward unlocking the extraordinary within.

Read also: Master These 7 Habits for Peak Performance and Success

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1. Take your calendar to the next level

At one point or another, we have all used a planner of some kind. Few of us, however, are meticulous in our planning. And why should we? Isn’t it enough to mark down important appointments and events and maybe keep a to-do list on the side? You have managed to get it all done so far, why should you bother with scheduling all of your daily tasks into a calendar? 

There are two benefits to keeping a calendar: 

• The first one is obvious. Detailed scheduling will prevent you from forgetting things. I don’t mean big or repetitive things like doctor appointments or a lecture. While keeping a calendar does help us remember those tasks, they are not usually the ones we forget anyway. The tasks we forget are the small and not-so-important ones. Little things, like watering your plants, cleaning the kitchen, doing a monthly review of your goals, cleaning your shoes, etc. How often have you found yourself remembering those little tasks at the end of the day, cursing that you forgot to do them again? 
• The second benefit is that scheduling tasks makes us accomplish more. How often during the day do you consider what to do next? Pretty often probably. Should I study this topic first or create some new flashcards? Maybe I should answer my emails now and write that blog post later. All these decisions make us lose valuable time. It also costs us more self-discipline to sit down and do an odious task if we could be doing it later. If you are someone who feels like the day doesn’t have enough hours, you should give Google Calendar or whatever calendar you use a chance. 

I can already hear you thinking the same things I used to think: But I am really bad at predicting how long something will take. My schedule wouldn’t work anyway! And I want to be spontaneous at times or else I feel too restricted. 

The simple solution for predicting the time it will take you to accomplish a task is: practice. The more often you try and gauge how long something takes, the better you’ll get at it. In addition to that, schedule buffer time before and after every single task. If something unexpected happens or if the previous task takes longer, then you’re still on schedule. 

Should a task take less time than anticipated, fall back onto a default activity. That could be reading a book, meditating, or taking a walk. Just make sure that you don’t start scrolling through social media and then forget about the time. 

2. Give yourself slightly stressful deadlines 

Tasks take as long as the time you provide for them. If you start to write your essay a week before the deadline, chances are it will take you a couple of days to finish it. However, if you were to start it the day before the deadline, you’d most likely hustle until you have it finished within a day. 

And yes, there is probably a difference in quality between those two essays. And all-nighters are of course not a permanent solution. However, this extreme example was only supposed to get the point across that work seems to expand to the amount of time we allow it to take. 

The key is to find the sweet spot between giving yourself enough time to deliver quality work but not enough time that you are completely relaxed and perfectionistic. 

Finding that sweet spot gets easier the more often you do a task. The first time you write an essay in a new subject, you’ll likely severely underestimate how long it is going to take. And that’s ok, you don’t need to be perfectly efficient in everything that you do. The important thing is that you’ll try to do better next time. That’s how you’ll live an exceptional life. 

3. Spend at least as much time creating as consuming

If you want to live an exceptional life you have to make it a habit to always be creating things. As a podcaster or blogger, this can mean creating content, as a programmer it can be programming, as a lawyer it can be writing a compelling civil complaint, or if you want to earn a passive income it might be taking feet pics. 

The point is that mindless consumption rarely brings us forward in life. Sure, everybody should’ve some relaxation in their day. And if for you that means Netflix, Instagram, or the cinema, then go for it! 

However, you should ask yourself what you do more in your free time: Consuming or creating? If you get into the habit of spending more time creating than consuming, your life will elevate bit by bit without you even noticing it, at first. 

4. Say Yes to Things that Scare You

I recently started working towards my second law degree and let me tell you everything about it is a step outside my comfort zone. (To give you a bit of background: To become a lawyer, judge, etc. in Germany, you need two degrees. The first one you get from University, the second one at the end of an apprenticeship, where you work with judges, prosecutors, and attorneys).

Sure, writing exams has always been stressful too. But at least you are used to that kind of stress since you’ve started school. But now, I am confronted with having to deal with freaking long court files, writing verdicts, leading a court trial, and doing other kinds of public speaking. So yes, MAJOR step outside my comfort zone! 

But, as a result of having been pushed beyond comfort for a couple of months now, I feel like I have grown at an IMMENSE pace. Things that would have scared me half a year ago feel doable now. 

My comfort zone has expanded because I said yes to the opportunities that scared me, even though I didn’t have to. There were multiple times I could have chosen an easier task but I knew that I would benefit more from doing the harder one, so went with that. 

Saying yes to things that scare you is the best way to elevate your life at an incredible speed. Scared of starting a podcast? Do it anyway! Scared of investing your money? Do research and start small but get started!

5. Do one thing at a time as a rule; Multitask as an exception

As we have already established, leading an exceptional life means being efficient with how you use your time. Multitasking can be a great help for that. You can listen to a podcast while cooking, watch the news while working out, or meditate during your red light therapy. 

However, it’s important to realize that multitasking is only beneficial if one of the tasks is a passive one. The brain can’t do two highly demanding tasks at the same time. For example, if you are doing something and someone asks you a difficult question you automatically stop moving to answer that question. 

That’s why multitasking shouldn’t be the rule but the exception. 

Stop skipping back and forth between tasks. Don’t do a little bit of your homework here and a few flashcards there. You will get so much faster done if do one task at a time. And take it a step further than that. Do the different questions or exercises in your homework in exactly the order they are presented. You have to solve them all anyway. So do them in order because way too often there is a reason for that order and you are only going to make your life harder by ignoring it.  

6. Be intentional about everything that you do

Most people are intentional about their good habits. In other words, they know exactly why they are doing a certain habit and they intentionally make time for this habit. 

But what about all the other things in life that don’t qualify as a good habit? Do you ever spend time thinking about what it means for your future if you spend an hour on social media if you stay awake past your bedtime, or if you drive instead of walking? 

I know this sounds silly. Driving instead of walking once isn’t going to ruin your life and neither is scrolling through social media. But the thing is, you are most likely not just doing it once or twice. Have you ever considered what impact these seemingly unimportant daily actions can compound to? Have you ever wondered if that is the kind of person you want to be? 

It is incredibly difficult to be intentional about everything that you do. In fact, it’s highly impractical to question every little daily action. 

Instead, keep your eyes and ears open. Every time you come across someone doing something differently compared to you, spend some time and reconsider. Why are you doing things a certain way? Could you do it differently? How would it impact your life in a few years from now if you do it one way or another? 

If make it a habit to be this intentional about everything that you do, you will soon find a big difference in the quality of your life. 

7. Have multifaceted goals

Short periods of hyper-focus on work or school can be necessary during finals time or the launch of a new product. 

But this sort of hyper-focus is not a healthy mindset to maintain. There is more to life than work. You need to be on top of all of life’s areas to live exceptionally. All areas of life influence each other. If your health is in a pit, you won’t be able to perform well at work. If your career is at a low, you won’t have the financial means to make healthy living an easy choice. 

Another reason for multifaceted goals is that your work won’t always go well. Everything in life comes in seasons. Every high will have a low eventually. And in those moments you will be so very grateful that you have other things going for you. 

So, let’s do a quick check-in: 

• Look at your calendar. What tasks have you got scheduled and in what area of life do they fall?
• Think back on your manifestations. What do you try to manifest most often? 
• Break up your week into three areas: Sleep, Work, and Free time. Do you spend significantly more time in one of those areas? 

As we wrap up this exploration of exceptional living, remember that small changes in daily habits can lead to remarkable transformations over time. Embrace the journey, savor the growth, and let these habits be your companions on the path to a more exceptional life. Share these insights with others, for in uplifting each other, we collectively contribute to a world where everyone has the tools to live exceptionally. 

Cheers to a life filled with purpose, joy, and the continuous pursuit of greatness!

Welcome to the transformative world of journaling! If you’ve ever felt the need to untangle your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, or simply capture the essence of your journey, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the unmistakable signs that scream, “Start journaling ASAP!” From moments of overwhelm to the desire for self-discovery, we’ve got you covered.

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Read also: 9 Fun Ideas To Start Journaling Daily | How To Start Journaling

Signs you Need to Journal ASAP

1. You feel like there are a million things you need to keep in mind

Life can be a whirlwind, and at times, it feels like you’re juggling a million things at once. When your mind becomes a bustling marketplace of ideas, tasks, and emotions, it might be the perfect moment to turn to journaling. Pouring these thoughts onto paper provides a tangible space to untangle the mental clutter, allowing you to gain clarity, prioritize tasks, and relieve the pressure of mental congestion.

2. You are nervous about an upcoming event or task

Tests, presentations, job interviews, doctor appointments, dates, travels, funeral, new schools, or weddings, there are many things we are anxious about throughout a year. When the butterflies in your stomach are on overdrive, signaling that an upcoming task is causing some pre-show jitters, it’s time to grab your journal and start penning down those nervous vibes. Writing about your apprehensions can help identify the root causes of your anxiety, allowing you to address and conquer them. As you put your concerns on paper, you might discover hidden strengths and coping mechanisms, turning nervousness into a tool for personal growth. 

3. You are increasingly annoyed at people 

Journaling is a great way to let off steam. You can just rage onto the page and write about all the things that annoy you about someone without having to worry about hurting their feelings. Holding in our feelings rarely ends well. Either, we end up miserable while we suppress them or they bubble out of us in hurtful words that can’t be taken back. So whether you are angry at your significant other, furious with you mother in law or frustrated with your boss, journal about your feelings until you feel level headed enough to deal with the topic in a constructive way.

If you are nervous about them ever reading this angry journal entry, just rip the pages into bits or burn it (safely). This can also serve as a symbolic act of releasing your anger. 

4. You have an important decision to make 

Significant decisions often come with a side dish of stress and uncertainty. Whether it’s choosing a career path, relocating, or making a major life change, journaling can be your compass in navigating these crossroads. 

Journaling doesn’t always have to be long essays or beautiful bullet journal pages. Sometimes, journaling can be a purely practical mishmash of pro and con lists with elaborations on your thoughts next to certain points. There is really no right or wrong way to go about journaling.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings about the decision at hand provides a structured way to explore options, weigh pros and cons, and tap into your intuition. It’s like consulting a trusted friend who patiently listens as you work through your thoughts, helping you arrive at a decision that aligns with your values and aspirations.

5. You are close to New Year’s/your birthday/graduation

Milestones and transitions are times of reflection, anticipation, and sometimes, a touch of anxiety. Whether you’re on the brink of a new year, celebrating another trip around the sun, or donning a cap and gown, journaling offers a meaningful way to capture these moments. Documenting your thoughts, goals, and aspirations as you approach these milestones creates a personal time capsule. It allows you to track your growth, acknowledge achievements, and set intentions for the next chapter, making your journey more intentional and memorable.You can significantly accelerate your personal development, if you are intentional about it instead of just letting life happen to you. 

BONUS: Gift Ideas For Journaling Fans

1. Customized Leather Journal: Consider gifting a high-quality leather journal with their name or a personal message engraved. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also makes the journal uniquely theirs. Leather journals often age beautifully, creating a keepsake they’ll cherish.
2. Inspiration-filled Journaling Prompts Book: Help spark their creativity and self-reflection with a book of journaling prompts. Choose one with a variety of prompts, from introspective questions to imaginative scenarios. It’s a fantastic way to inspire their writing and encourage a deeper exploration of their thoughts.
3. Luxurious Pen Set: Elevate their writing experience with a set of luxurious pens. Whether it’s a classic fountain pen or a modern, beautifully crafted ballpoint pen, a high-quality writing instrument can make the act of journaling even more enjoyable.
4. Guided Journal for Specific Goals: Opt for a guided journal tailored to a specific interest or goal. There are journals designed for gratitude, mindfulness, travel, or even career planning. Choose one that aligns with their passions, helping them channel their thoughts in a focused and purposeful way.
5. Journaling Workshop or Class: Consider gifting them an opportunity to enhance their journaling skills with a workshop or class. Many online platforms offer courses on creative writing, journaling techniques, and self-discovery through writing. It’s a unique and enriching gift for someone passionate about journaling.

As we conclude this exploration into the world of journaling, remember that the power to shape your narrative lies in your hands. Embrace the therapeutic benefits, the self-reflection, and the journey of self-discovery that journaling offers. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; let each entry be a step towards understanding yourself better. Happy journaling!