Learning to Learn: 3 Methods (Part 1 of 3)

One of the biggest barriers to learning is having the confidence and drive to start. We all learn differently and this article won't cover everything, but there are several strategies you can try including a new method I just learned. 

This week I challenge you to pick something you've always wanted to learn, and start learning.  If you're unhappy in your current job find a job you want, look at the requirements, and pick one of those to learn.  And it doesn't have to be only for the office; the first two goals I picked were in sports.

Step 1

First, you need to understand what type of learner you are.  There are many resources online, but a quick free quiz from How to Learn can give you a 2-minute assessment of your style.  If you focus your learning through information channels you prefer, you will be much more efficient .  

Method 1: Dive Right In
For those of us that like to build the parachute after we jump out of the plane, then this method is for you. But you should know the Internet offers a wealth of information for free which may help you avoid costly mistakes and save time and frustration.  I actually learned how to play hockey by watching YouTube videos before even hitting the ice.  This worked for me, slowly, but I think I found a better way.

Method 2: Structured Learning
For some, structuring learning can seem frustrating up front.  Taking the time and effort to plan how you are going to learn seems counterintuitive.  But just like being a Program Manager, if you take the time upfront to set your goals and lay out the process, you can actually save time and effort over the duration.  

On the advice of a colleague, I just finished listening to The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!  If you can't get over the "I don't know how to start" symptom, this book will give you a framework by walking you through the process of learning something quickly to basic proficiency.  I recommend you pick up a copy at Audible.com or a copy of the book; and you can get it for free with a trial membership at Audible.  And to help you along, the collaborative method is an add-on to either method 1 or 2.

Method 3: Collaborative
Engage your network, chances are one of them either has or knows somebody that has the skills you are looking to acquire.  Their advice is invaluable, and you can get peer feedback on the goals you have set and waypoint corrections as you go.

Go!

Subscribe to this post or comment below on what skill you want to add and I'll either help you or try and find a resource in my network that could mentor you.  Then, come back as you make progress and let everybody know how you are doing.  

Mentor!
Ever want to mentor someone but didn't know how to start?  Drop a comment below with a list of skills you offer.  You don't have to be an expert, the goal here is for your potential mentee to obtain basic proficiency.

W.

PS - This is part 1 of 3 in a skills acquisition series of posts.  Comment or subscribe below to be notified when the second and third part are posted in a few weeks.