Humans have an incredible ability to learn complex, abstract ideas and concepts, which sets us apart from all other species on the planet. However, learning is not a simple process, and it requires discipline and effort. Unfortunately, there are no “tricks” that make learning effortless. Instead, those who learn faster follow tried and true methods that guarantee success. In this article, we explore these methods and offer tips for anyone looking to learn something new.

1. Set a Purpose
When learning something new, it’s essential to set a purpose for your learning. Rather than simply saying, “I wish I could do that”, ask yourself what you hope to gain from learning a particular skill. Knowing what you want to achieve will give you the motivation and focus you need to succeed.

2. Set Measurable, Reasonable, and Reachable Goals
The goal of learning is not to surpass anyone else but yourself. Therefore, your goals must be measurable, reasonable, and reachable. Setting daily and long-term goals that are doable and actionable, and that build upon your existing skill set, will help you stay on track and measure your progress.

3. Set a Schedule
Learning a new skill requires practice, study, comprehension, and practical use. Setting a schedule that includes all aspects of the skill will help you reinforce your goals and ensure that you allocate enough time to each component of the learning process. Rather than practicing the skill for a certain amount of time each day, schedule time for each component of the process.

4. Collect Multiple Resources
Collecting various books, articles, videos, and other media pertaining to the skill in question is essential to truly learning everything about the topic. Use these resources to learn the concepts and ideas presented and come back to them if you struggle with a particular topic. Using multiple resources will help your mind wrap itself around new ideas and concepts.

5. Review and Record Progress
Learning is a long-term process that involves steps along the way. Each of these steps must be reviewed and evaluated upon completion to ensure accuracy and to tweak technique if needed. Recording and reviewing your accomplishments over the past week, month, or year is a great confidence booster, as it will show you how far you’ve come from knowing absolutely nothing.

6. Follow a Model
No matter how good you get at the skill you’re learning, there will always be ways to improve. Having someone to look up to in the field will help with this process. Analyzing an expert’s performance can help you get better at a skill and improve upon it in your way.

7. Search Out Feedback
Receiving feedback from experts in the field is essential to learn and improve. Contacting experts and asking for their opinion can provide constructive criticism and help you advance your skill to the next level. Don’t be afraid to seek out experts in the field, as they are often more than happy to help beginners.

8. Teach Others
Teaching others who are just starting the skill can improve your skill and understanding of it. It can be intimidating to watch experts perform the skill, but teaching beginners can be a confidence booster. You can be the person to help others with the skill in the future.

In conclusion, learning a new skill requires discipline and effort, but following these methods can make the process as easy as possible. Setting a purpose for your learning, setting measurable and reachable goals, scheduling your learning, collecting various resources, reviewing and recording progress, following a model, seeking out feedback, and teaching others can accelerate your learning time. With these tips, you can become a master of almost any skill.