I aim to spend 1/3 of every day in my professional life actively learning.
And yet in school I wasn’t a great student. I think it might have been a blessing as it taught me to learn how and what I wanted.
“The smartest people are all self-taught, even if they went to school."
– Naval Ravikant
We all have to discover our own unique ways of learning, ways that actually work for us…
Here are some learning methods I use today:
I buy clusters of books, typically multiple from the same author. Simultaneously I browse their podcasts and social profiles as well. I normally read a few before I’ve gone “deep enough” (for me) and then continue on, usually to something of and adjacent topic.
I work with mentors for ~2 years at a time. I like to be a student and a collaborator with them. After about 2 years I typically move on to the next one. This has helped teach me more about “being” than “doing.” (Highly underrated)
I do better talking out loud and listening than reading or writing. Learnings works best for me when it’s a dialogue. I also like to teach as a way to learn.
I like to move. I don’t like to sit down for too long. I go to 2-3 places during the day, maybe more. I stand, sit, walk, switch locations. I think moving helps me be more agile in my learning.
Today we have ChatGPT and I’m excited about all of the ways this will extend and expand my learning. Right now it’s done a nice job replacing sites like Wikepedia, and also the classic “Explain this to me like I’m 15.” (Or, even funnier, “Explain this to me like I’m a complete idiot.”) ChatGPT at least thinks that now, or will think that very soon as it continues talking with humans.
What are your unique learning styles? Are you visual? Verbal?
How are you taking advantage of the incredible amounts of information we have at our fingertips?
Tyler Cowen says that we’re “all Information Trillionaires now.” I intend to enjoy it.
xx David
I write about how our work as entrepreneurs can transform our lives. Watch on Youtube.
I partner with Founders to bring their business vision and life into alignment. I also post curated links related to entrepreneur wellness on The Elevator. If you want your brand to be on point, check out Death to Stock
