We live in a fast moving, complex and uncertain society where industries lines are fading. It’s always been this way, but the accelerating adoption and integration of technology somehow makes it more pronounced and obvious that everything is indeed connected. In this environment, people and companies that survive and thrive are those who know how to learn; fast.
Notice I said “who know how to learn”, this is key because you can’t adjust course based on your own point of view if you don’t. Simply learning isn’t enough, because learning time doesn’t just happen in the classroom or in training; it happens all the time in every moment of your day. And must say that being proactive about learning requires a “Learn-it-all” mindset, not a “know-it-all” mindset because you don’t turn the switch on and off if you’re a true learner.
With that said, how do you keep up? How do you stay sharp? How do you learn how to learn?
One way is to learn from learners. For example, I have a very Hungry Mind and am always on the lookout for other Hungry Minds. Once I find them, I make an effort to understand how they learn by talking to them and reading or listening to their stuff. One such learner I found is Siraj Raval, a very well known developer and prolific YouTuber who recently shared 10 strategies he uses to learn advanced concepts as fast as possible!
His 10 Strategies are:
- Find a reason to learn
- Start with the simplest explanations
- Create a set of small, achievable goals
- Set Deadlines
- Maintain a flow state
- Let your curiosity guide your learning path
- Spend 1/3 of your time researching & 2/3 doing
- Take notes by hand
- Don’t multitask
- Maintain your Health
Watch the video for a breakdown of each one:
You don’t have to be a developer to take these lessons to heart, it applies to anyone. Remember, leaders are learners. It’s not too late to start dissecting how you learn and borrowing new strategies from those who learn faster and better than you.
Ask yourself: Am I learning as fast as the world is changing?
Your answer to this question is critical that it be yes. If not, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
On my next post I’ll share with you my own personal learning system.