Too Much to Learn, Too Little Time
In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to constantly learn and upskill can feel immense. We're bombarded with online courses, webinars, articles, podcasts, and more, all promising to unlock our potential and catapult us to success. But with limited time and energy, it's easy to fall into the trap of information overload, jumping from one shiny new topic to the next without truly mastering anything.
Learning today feels like standing at a lavish buffet, faced with countless delectable dishes, but with only one stomach to fill. Where do you even begin? How do you choose what to savor and what to leave behind?
That's where the art of intentional learning comes in. Just like at a buffet, we need to be strategic about our choices. We need to prioritise what truly matters, create a plan, and savour each learning experience fully.
But how can we do that? Here are 3 practical strategies to help you navigate the learning buffet and make the most of your precious time:
1/ Prioritise & Sequence: Your Learning Roadmap 🗺️
Imagine you're at a buffet with a diverse spread. You wouldn't just pile your plate high with everything that catches your eye. You'd first survey the options, identify the dishes that align with your dietary preferences and preferences, and then figure out what to try first, second, and so on.
Similarly, learning requires a roadmap.
Identify your "must-haves": What are your ultimate learning goals? What skills or knowledge do you absolutely need to acquire to achieve your personal and professional aspirations? These are your "main course" items at the buffet.
Plan your "sampler platter": Once you've identified your must-haves, consider adding a few "side dishes" or complementary learning objectives to your plate. These could be areas you're curious about or skills that would enhance your primary goals.
Savour each bite: Don't rush through your learning experiences. Take the time to fully digest and appreciate each new concept or skill. Just as you wouldn't scarf down an entire buffet in one go, avoid overloading yourself with too much information at once.
Leave room for dessert: There will always be more to learn than you have time for. Don't feel guilty about leaving some "dishes" on the table for another day. You can always come back later when you have more room on your plate.
2/ Combine Learning with Existing Activities: The "Grab-and-Go" Section 🏃🏻
Think of the "grab-and-go" section at the buffet – those pre-portioned snacks and finger foods that are perfect for a quick energy boost. Similarly, you can incorporate bite-sized learning activities into your daily routine.
Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while commuting or doing chores
Watch videos on topics you want to know more about during your lunch break
Read articles or blog posts while waiting for appointments
These bite-sized experiences are a great way to get exposed to new topics before you decide what you’d like to go deep into.
You can also find ways to combine learning with your existing activities:
Take detailed notes during a training session to enhance your facilitation skills
Invite a colleague to observe your presentation and provide feedback
By stacking learning with things you anyway need to need to do, you increase the chances of those actually happening!
3/ Note-Taking & Retrieval: Your "Leftovers" Container 📝
Learning is only as good as the action it leads to. Capturing and organising your learning is essential for future reference and application.
Create your "leftovers" system: Find a method that works for you, whether it's digital notes, handwritten journals, or mind maps. Capture key takeaways, insights, and action items in a way that's easy to revisit later.
Label and organise: Use folders, tags, or categories to keep your "leftovers" organised, making it easy to find what you need when you need it. (I use a notion repository for this, more on that here)
Reheat and enjoy: Regularly review your notes and reflect on what you've learned. This helps solidify the information and make connections between different concepts, just like reheating those delicious leftovers.
Conclusion: Savour the Learning Feast 🍱
In a world overflowing with learning opportunities, the key to success is not to consume everything but to choose wisely and savour each experience fully. By prioritising your learning goals, combining learning with existing activities, and developing effective note-taking strategies, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable learning journey.
Remember, learning is not a race. It's a lifelong feast. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to leave some dishes on the table for another day.
What are your go-to strategies for prioritising learning?