Every child goes through this period when everything gets so fascinating. The question ‘why’ is being constantly asked and they can turn even the most tedious activity into fun and an opportunity to learn. However, with time this great character trait diminishes, as the pressure of the environment and demands of people that surround us take away the joy of learning something new, turning it into a dull and discouraging process.
This is not the only reason. The truth is that as we grow older, we have to learn more, and every new thing is more complicated and difficult than it used to be when we were younger. It takes much longer to possess certain knowledge and it shouldn’t surprise that the long, monotonous process of learning becomes something we want to avoid.
But there are people who clench their teeth and don’t give up. They are the ones most likely to achieve success in their life. However, successful people are not those, who study the most – they are those, who do it smart, in a systematic, organized, and results-oriented way. We have the means necessary to excel in many areas, provided that we actually try and spend our time absorbing the knowledge.
And how can we absorb as much of it as possible in the shortest amount of time? Today we are going to offer some simple learning techniques used by the people who achieved success – started multi-billion dollars businesses, got the highest position in multi-national companies, etc. Take a look:
Use Your Neurons!
How many times have you experienced the problems with memorizing information that you found completely uninteresting? Or when you were reading a book and halfway through the topic realized, that you don’t remember practically anything from what you’ve just read.
Fortunately, there is a way for you to learn the difficult material without having to memorize it. When you click on the link to Wikipedia that we attached, you can read about neurons (we chose the ‘simple English’ version, God bless it! The regular one is quite complex.) You can read there that neurons are the most important part of our brain, and they are all connected to each other. This connection is the key. Our brains are perfect computers, they just need the right “software”.
Instead of trying to memorize things, try to form connections and patterns that you will associate with the material you are trying to learn. It makes it a lot easier when you play a little with the capabilities of your brain and create a chain of thought from the knowledge you are trying to study. Try it and you will be surprised with the results!
Avoid Multitasking!
When you are working on your computer, while checking the news on TV or on the radio, having some other project opened on your laptop, and taking a look at your mobile phone every now and then because the notifications won’t stop coming, you may feel like you are doing a lot, while you do half the amount you would have done if you were working on a single task.
It’s the same with learning – we need concentration. Thus, we have to make sure that there are no distractions in our way. Hide your mobile, open a single tap in the browser (if you need it.) Or even better – turn on the airplane mode on your devices once you find all the information necessary to study. It will get much easier and you will absorb a lot of knowledge. Just try to take short breaks every 25-30 minutes.
Go Back to What You’ve Learned.
Even if you manage to master a particular topic, you cannot expect to remember it for ever. It is important to go over the material from time to time. Only then you will be truly certain that you understood the topic completely. Repetitive practice is a straight way to success. What’s more, by practicing you train your mind, so the more you do this, the more flexible it is, and the easier it is for you to remember new things.
Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Advice.
You probably can learn most of the things you would like to by yourself, but if you can, do not be afraid to ask those, who already know them for help. Trying to solve the difficult concept on your own will cost you a lot of time and effort, while a person who already managed to solve it will most likely explain everything in a matter of minutes. As Mr. Obama, the Former President of the United States once said:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and then allows you to learn something new.
Practice collaborative learning, and you will learn faster and better.
Stay Humble
Never get to full of yourself. Even if you are an expert on the topic, remember, there is always some room for improvement. A professor can learn from a student sometimes, but it requires humility. Share your knowledge with others and always let them share their knowledge and experience with you. Do not close your mind to anyone, try not to forget this little kid you once were, who kept asking questions ‘why?’ Your questions will change, will become more complicated, specific. And that’s good. Use every opportunity to enhance your mind and the success is sure to come 😉
In Conclusion
That pretty much sums it up. Be sure to check our related posts below – we have lots of tips and tricks that boost productivity and help you become a more reliable person.