Maybe you don’t know how to learn.
How rethinking your learning strategies can transform your personal and professional growth.
After couple of years in the software development industry, I realized that my insecurity wasn’t just about inferiority complex. It stemmed from my inability to learn effectively. I was great at memorizing in school, and that used to be enough. Seeing my name at the top of the rankings was all that mattered. But now, as I get older (not old old, but you get it), this approach just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Lately, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery, learning about how I learn. Here are three insights that have helped me reassess and improve my learning methods, and I believe they can help you too.
Understanding Your Learning Style
Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a reader? This is crucial to know. I had to experiment (and I’m still experimenting) to find out what works best for me. I found that I need to watch visually engaging videos to get my brain excited. This visual stimulation helps me make connections when I dive deeper into reading on the particular subject. Listening comes next – I look for podcasts or re-listen to videos to reinforce what I’ve learned. Finally, I write. In this digital age, writing by hand is still the best way to test your understanding. Writing forces you to think critically and solidify your knowledge.
Also, recognize when you learn best. Is it in the morning, during the day, or at night? For a long time, I tried the popular 5 AM routine – wake up, hit the gym, read, code, and start the day. It made me want to escape to a remote farm! I’m a night owl, and once I accepted this, everything clicked. My job as a developer offers flexible hours, allowing me to work when I’m most productive. Experiment with different routines and find what suits you.
Evaluating Information Effectively
For the longest time, I overthought everything. A simple question about writing a function for Fibonacci or what do you think about this would send me down a rabbit hole. Overanalyzing paralyzed me. I started writing down my thought process, and this changed everything. When I face a problem now, I break it down into smaller steps. This checklist approach keeps me focused and makes tackling problems less daunting. Even if I haven’t solved everything, ticking off items from the list gives a sense of progress.
Ask yourself:
- How do I break down complex problems?
- What’s my process for understanding each step?
Also, learning is an ongoing process. I used to think I had to master everything right away. Now, I understand that continuous improvement is key. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress. Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it. Don’t be afraid to adjust your methods as you go.
Accepting you will never know it all
As vast as the universe is and as long as life exists, I will always be “Dumb” to a certain degree. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never know everything. This realization has shifted my focus from obsessing over the end product to appreciating the journey itself. Embracing my “dumbness” has been liberating. Now, whatever I work on, I prioritize the process over the outcome. This approach helps me be kinder to myself and enjoy the learning experience without being too hard on myself.
Accepting that you will never know it all is a humbling yet empowering perspective. It frees you from the paralyzing fear of failure and the unrealistic expectation of mastering everything immediately. Instead, it allows you to approach learning with curiosity and openness. By focusing on the journey, you become more receptive to new ideas and experiences. You can celebrate small victories along the way, understanding that each step forward is progress, regardless of how minor it may seem.
This mindset also encourages continuous learning and adaptability. In the tech industry, where change is constant, being open to not knowing everything can be a significant advantage. It keeps you flexible and willing to learn from others. Rather than viewing gaps in knowledge as weaknesses, see them as opportunities for growth. This shift in perspective can transform your learning experience from a stressful endeavor into an exciting adventure.
In summary, understanding your learning style, evaluating information effectively, embracing continuous improvement and accepting you will never know it all can transform how you learn. Personalize your approach, be patient with yourself, and remember that learning is a journey, not a destination!
Good luck 😎
