A different approach to learning
Not your typical way to improve learning
So what?
We’ve all heard of the typical tips and tricks on learning things faster and more effectively. These include writing things down, practicing, better diet, healthier lifestyle and etc. I have no doubt that these things are beneficial to you. However, I believe that the foundation to learning begins with you and not techniques that give you incremental benefits. Having a solid foundation naturally will allow you to learn things faster and more effectively.
The fundamental question
When we decide to learn something, whether it be a new language or other skill sets, the most fundamental question that many of us overlook is “what’s in it for me?”. This question may seem like a selfish question but answering this question and knowing your “why” need to be the first thing you ask yourself. Learning a new thing comes with difficulties that will challenge you and hinder your learning. To get through these troughs without giving up, you need to have a firm belief that the outcome you’re trying to accomplish is not only for others but for yourself as well. The most important person involved in your learning journey should and need to be you.
Meditation
One of the main benefits of meditation is relaxation. Relaxed body and mind create elasticity which lowers resistance. Relaxed and flexible mind is the perfect environment for you to learn and absorb the information you’re exposed to. And when things get tough, you will be able to relax your way through the inevitable difficulties with ease. Meditation time after your learning session is also beneficial as it allows time for you to actively recall what you’ve learned and absorbed which is fundamental to forming memories in your brain.
My experience
As a fitness enthusiast (i.e. fanatic) and someone with mild OCD tendencies, I thrive on routine, regular exercise and strict diet regiment. Naturally, I gravitate towards becoming obsessed with processes and step-by-steps. I applied this to my learning journey as well until I regularly found myself either focusing on the routine of learning which quickly became mundane or lost sight of why I was learning in the first place. It wasn’t until I realised that I was starting on my learning journey of a specific skill set or knowledge without a purpose and learning things that didn’t align with my values. Asking the fundamental question of “what’s in it for me (us)” led me to only take on learnings that aligned with our values and further motivate me through the peaks and troughs.
What now?
- Are you often neglecting and giving up on what you started learning? Why do you think that is?
- If you’re, are you setting yourself up with the best intention and foundation before embarking on your learning journey by asking yourself the fundamental question?