How do you stop procrastinating when learning new things?
Procrastination is a common challenge when it comes to learning new things. Whether it's a new skill, a new language, or a new hobby, you might find yourself putting off the task or losing motivation along the way. How can you overcome this tendency and make learning fun and rewarding? Here are some tips to help you stop procrastinating and start learning.
One of the reasons why you might procrastinate is that you have unrealistic or vague goals for your learning. For example, you might want to learn Spanish in a month, or master Photoshop in a week. These goals are too ambitious and can make you feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Instead, try to break down your learning into smaller and more specific goals, such as learning 10 new words a day, or completing one tutorial a week. This way, you can track your progress and celebrate your achievements.
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Specificity is key to goal setting. It’s also important to align these smaller milestones with your overarching vision or purpose for learning. Understanding the ‘why’ behind your goal can act as a consistent motivator. For instance, if you’re learning Spanish to connect with relatives or for a trip, visualize those conversations or experiences. This adds an emotional component to the practical steps, making the journey more meaningful. Additionally, regularly reflecting on and adjusting goals based on one’s pace and changing circumstances can ensure they remain both challenging and achievable.
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No need to rush.. Everything will be fine if you do it one step at a time.. The goal is not to be finish it up quickly as possible. Take note on this and don't get confused about a movement without a process. A dream without a goal is just a dream. A dream with goals and objectives and have a disciplines can achieve the goals in every little thing called "progress" a movement with a progress called "objectives" and it can be done by disciplined. A movement without a progress is just like a goals without any objectives.
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Procrastination usually happens when you feel heavy laden with your workload , breaking down the workload into smaller tasks will help you to tackle each goal and not feel overwhelmed therefore you have started the task and will complete smaller tasks quicker and will prevent you from procrastination.
Another reason why you might procrastinate is that you are using a method that doesn't suit your learning style or preferences. For example, you might prefer to learn by watching videos, but you are using a textbook. Or you might enjoy learning with others, but you are studying alone. To avoid this, try to find a method that matches your learning style and preferences. For example, you can use online courses, podcasts, games, or apps to learn in a more interactive and engaging way. Or you can join a group, a class, or a community to learn with others and get feedback and support.
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I think the goal is to split your task into smaller goals. For example, when I took the WSET Diploma, there were countless of hours study and I felt overwhelmed, so the method I used was to make a schedule and break down the whole material into smaller chunks that were easy to digest. You don't need to conquest everything in a day because Rome was not built in a day.
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I've found that utilizing multiple learning methods increases the likelihood that information is retained. While a lot of us are primarily one type of learner or another, experiencing the subject matter in various ways can aid retention. For example, I've been mostly a kinesthetic learner when it comes to clinical skills. I found it difficult to picture performing a procedure simply by reading a description of the steps. It helped significantly when I pantomimed the steps involved, while visualizing, and speaking the steps out loud while writing them down. This method utilized kinesthetic, auditory and visual approaches to learning. I've found that teaching someone else what you've learned also helps to solidify acquired information.
A third reason why you might procrastinate is that you don't have a clear and consistent schedule for your learning. For example, you might say that you will learn whenever you have time, but you end up doing other things instead. Or you might try to cram everything in one session, but you lose focus and interest. To avoid this, try to create a regular and realistic schedule for your learning. For example, you can dedicate 30 minutes a day, or 3 hours a week, to your learning. You can also use a calendar, a planner, or an app to remind you of your learning sessions and keep you accountable.
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One of my new favorite concepts is consistency over intensity and I feel it is extremely relevant in this context. If we're honest with ourselves we can recognize that motivation or excitement lasts for a finite amount of time and if we waited for motivation to get anything done my laundry would be a mountain high. Making small, but steady progress can reduce added pressure from yourself or others, encourage you to get 1% better every day, and can help avoid general procrastination because a manageable routine has already been established. Break your big tasks into smaller ones while establishing easy-to-adopt habits and you'll get there! Time will pass either way. Help it work with you and not against you.
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Depending on what you are learning, try to schedule at least 2-3 short windows each week. For learning a language, I recommend spending 10 minutes during breakfast reading a piece of news or listening to a podcast, learning 10-20 words during a coffee break and watching one episode of your favourite series in the evening. This way you can squeeze in 30-60 minutes of language learning every day. If you are learning something else, note down in your diary days/times, when you'll be learning. Just like you would do to schedule grocery shopping, sport, etc.
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what I actually do every week is on Friday before closing the week I plan my posts for the next week, I try to think about the relevant posts I interacted with during the week and what kind of topics are both relevant and align with my voice and values and I try to brainstorm from there. I try to come up with 2-3 possible posts and brainstorm the main ideas. Once this is done I go back to it with a fresh head on Monday and use a coffee break to try to draft the posts, and the day I'm planning on posting them I polish them as best as possible.
A fourth reason why you might procrastinate is that you don't have a positive reinforcement for your learning. For example, you might focus on the difficulties, the mistakes, or the gaps in your learning, rather than on the benefits, the successes, or the improvements. Or you might not have any incentives or rewards for your learning, such as a certificate, a badge, or a prize. To avoid this, try to reward yourself for your learning. For example, you can treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a snack, a movie, or a game, after completing a goal or a session. You can also use gamification, badges, or certificates to motivate yourself and recognize your achievements.
A fifth reason why you might procrastinate is that you don't have a challenge or a purpose for your learning. For example, you might learn something because you have to, not because you want to. Or you might learn something that is too easy or too hard for your level, and you get bored or discouraged. To avoid this, try to challenge yourself and find a purpose for your learning. For example, you can set yourself a deadline, a test, or a project to complete with your learning. You can also find a way to apply your learning to your life, your work, or your passion, and see how it can benefit you or others.
A sixth reason why you might procrastinate is that you don't have fun with your learning. For example, you might see learning as a chore, a duty, or a burden, rather than as a pleasure, a hobby, or a joy. Or you might not have any variety, creativity, or humor in your learning, and you get bored or tired. To avoid this, try to have fun with your learning. For example, you can use music, stories, jokes, or cartoons to make your learning more enjoyable and memorable. You can also mix up your learning activities, such as reading, writing, speaking, or listening, and try new things, such as quizzes, puzzles, or role-plays.
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We live in a gamified society. We are used to being entertained at a high level of intensity. This can make mundane tasks so boring that we avoid them. We need to lighten up where possible. Having an encouraging accountability partner like a friend, colleague or coach can add motivation and creativity. They can also acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
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