Friday Motivation: Learning is a Marathon Not a Sprint, Laying the Groundwork for Big Success

I was talking with my buddy Chad and asked for his thoughts on the subject of learning the basics in advance of the first time you will do an activity that is complex, and making efficient use of limited time to ensure you later remember what you learned.

Here is what he had to say.

Firstly, it's vitally important to fully understand an activity's basics before diving in. Too many people attempt to rush into complex activities without grasping the basic foundation, which leads to unnecessary hurdles and setbacks. Without the basics, the higher-level aspects of any task can feel daunting. Get the foundational basics right, then you have a solid platform to build upon.

Secondly, when learning, try to break things down. Identify the core elements of what you're aiming to understand. Rather than attempt to swallow and absorb everything at once, focus on understanding and digesting one piece at a time. Dissect a complex task into small manageable parts and absorb each one. Small progress adds up to big success.

Next, it's helpful to dedicate a consistent amount of time every day specifically for learning the basics. One of the best ways to learn and remember is to form daily habits. Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity breeds confidence. A bit of time spent learning every day will add up considerably in the long run.

Then, once you've identified the essentials and started mastering them, it's time to layer up. You'll need to progressively introduce more complex components, but always ensure you're confident in the basics before you move on. Remember, solid structures are built from the ground up.

In addition to the learning bit, efficient use of limited time is crucial. If you learn heaps of new stuff but can't remember it later, you've just wasted time. Reinforcement is key here. Revisit newly learned information multiple times at increasing intervals. This spaced repetition method has been shown to dramatically increase recall.

Also, prioritize. We're bombarded with information every day and not all of it is useful. So, prioritize what you need to remember and always focus on material that will benefit you the most. Discard the rest.

Importantly, don't fall into the trap of procrastination masked as productivity. Limit the time you spend on tasks that don't directly contribute to your learning. It might feel like you're being productive, but if it's not serving your learning goals, it's merely draining your valuable time.

Furthermore, always aim to apply what you're learning. Practical application not only tests your understanding but also aids retention. The more you put learnings into practice, the more they stick. So, find opportunities to use your newly gained knowledge.

Moreover, minimize distractions whenever it's time to learn. Distractions break focus and can significantly decrease the effectiveness of your learning session. Create an environment conducive to focus and concentration. It’ll pay off immensely.

And finally, practice mindfulness. Keep in mind why you're learning what you're learning. Your goals and your reasons will keep you motivated. A purpose-led approach to learning will make the journey as rewarding as the destination.

In conclusion, mastering the basics of a complex activity and making efficient use of time are two integral parts of any learning process. Cultivate consistent learning habits, prioritize, minimize distractions, apply what you've learned, and remind yourself of your 'why’ regularly. In time, you’ll find yourself at the helm of efficiency and expertise.