Mastering the Art of Learning
Picture by Frank Mckenna
Practical guide to enhance our Learning skills
We should aim for quality sleep every night
While sleep affects how we retain information, it also plays a crucial role in nearly every other essential aspect of our lives:
- Awareness: During sleep, we gain access to dreams. Dreams have a powerful ability to connect ideas and concepts in ways we might never imagine when awake.
- Fitness: Sleep is essential for recovery. After exercise, our muscles need time to repair and grow stronger, a process that happens during deep sleep.
- Social Relations: It’s no surprise that we are in a better mood after a good night’s sleep. This directly affects how we interact with others and manage relationships.
- Willpower: With sufficient sleep, we’re better able to resist temptations throughout the day, whether it’s choosing a healthy meal over fast food or taking on challenges instead of opting for the easy way out. We all know the struggle when sleep-deprived—making decisions is much harder when we’re tired.
Studies recommend getting 6–8 hours of sleep each night. Since we don’t typically fall asleep instantly, it’s wise to go to bed earlier to ensure we get these vital hours of rest.
Recommended book : Why we sleep by Matthew Walker
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Read, keep reading and read even more
Nowadays, we have access to instant information in various forms: social media posts, newsfeeds, websites, television, newspapers, and more. While passively hearing or watching can be informative, reading provides significantly more value. When we read, our brain actively processes the information, which enhances retention.
Reading also requires us to focus, exercising a skill that has become rare in our fast-paced society. With nearly infinite reading options available, I recommend starting with topics that offer foundational knowledge. Consider exploring history to understand the world as it is today, and biology to gain insights into how we function as human beings.
Recommended book : Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Picture by Ben White
Let’s keep an open mind
This way of thinking isn’t just useful for learning—it’s important in various aspects of life. When it comes to learning, having an open mind is crucial because we have an automatic filter that determines whether new information aligns with what we already know. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves drawn more to information that confirms our existing beliefs, leading us to avoid learning things that challenge our thoughts.
Just as cultivating a growth mindset is essential for personal development, maintaining an open mind helps us interact with society more positively. Embracing diverse perspectives and ideas not only enhances our understanding but also fosters more constructive and enriching interactions with others.
Recommended book : The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Picture by Markus Tinner
Recommended book for tips about Learning :
Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life by Jim Kwik
Mastery by Robert Greene