Strategically Learning New Things: A Guide to Master Any Skill or Subject
HOW–TO–THURSDAY.
By Silas Kojo Diapim
Learning new things is a rewarding and enriching experience that can help you improve yourself, your career, and your life. However, learning new things is not always easy or fast, and it requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. How can you learn new things strategically, meaning that you optimize your learning process and outcomes, and master any skill or subject that you want? Here are some steps to follow:
1. Identify your learning goal and motivation.
The first step to learn new things strategically is to identify your learning goal and motivation. Your learning goal is the specific and measurable outcome that you want to achieve by learning something new, such as passing an exam, getting a certification, or acquiring a skill.
Your motivation is the reason behind your learning goal, the intrinsic or extrinsic factor that drives you to learn, such as curiosity, interest, passion, or reward. To identify your learning goal and motivation, you can ask yourself questions such as: What do I want to learn? Why do I want to learn it? How will it benefit me?
2. Choose your learning method and resources.
The second step to learn new things strategically is to choose your learning method and resources. Your learning method is the way that you prefer to learn, the approach or technique that suits your learning style, personality, and preferences.
Your learning resources are the materials or tools that you use to learn, such as books, videos, podcasts, courses, or mentors. To choose your learning method and resources, you can research the available options, compare their pros and cons, and select the ones that match your needs and goals.
3. Plan your learning schedule and environment.
The third step to learn new things strategically is to plan your learning schedule and environment. Your learning schedule is the time and duration that you allocate for learning, the frequency and intensity that you follow to achieve your learning goal.
Your learning environment is the place and setting that you choose for learning, the physical and mental conditions that affect your learning performance and experience. To plan your learning schedule and environment, you can set a realistic and flexible timetable, create a comfortable and distraction-free space, and establish a routine and a habit.
4. Apply your learning and practice regularly.
The fourth step to learn new things strategically is to apply your learning and practice regularly. Applying your learning means using what you have learned in real-life situations, such as solving problems, completing tasks, or creating projects.
Practicing regularly means repeating what you have learned until you master it, such as reviewing, testing, or quizzing yourself. Applying your learning and practicing regularly will help you consolidate your knowledge, improve your skills, and retain your memory.
5. Review your learning and seek feedback.
The fifth and final step to learn new things strategically is to review your learning and seek feedback. Reviewing your learning means evaluating your progress and performance, and measuring your results and outcomes. Seeking feedback means asking for opinions, suggestions, or corrections from others, such as peers, instructors, or experts.
Reviewing your learning and seeking feedback will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, recognize your achievements and mistakes, and improve your learning quality and efficiency.
Silas Kojo Diapim
