James Carter
Learning faster than the average Joe requires more than just a good memory. It involves certain habits that enhance your capacity to absorb and apply knowledge.
Psychology has long studied the way we learn, and it’s revealed some fascinating insights.
High-speed learners, for instance, often display some clever habits that set them apart.
These habits aren’t just about studying harder; they’re about studying smarter.
They involve mindfulness, creativity, and a certain kind of mental agility that makes learning seem effortless.
So, if you’re curious to know what these habits are and how they could potentially speed up your learning curve, stick around.
Here’s a sneak peek into the world of fast learners and the 7 clever habits they often display, according to psychology.
1) Fast learners are mindful
Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever you’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgement, with a soft and open mind — is a key habit of fast learners.
Being fully present helps you absorb new information and skills more effectively.
It allows you to focus on the task at hand, minimizing distractions and enabling more efficient learning.
Fast learners don’t just rush through material; they take their time to really understand and engage with it.
This isn’t just about being slow and careful; it’s about being aware of what you’re learning and why.
Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change”.
This encapsulates the essence of mindful learning – being open to new information and willing to change based on what you learn.
Indeed, mindfulness isn’t just for yogis or meditation enthusiasts; it’s a practical tool that can accelerate your learning process if practiced consistently.
The next time you’re tackling a complex topic or skill, remember to be present, focused, and mindful.
2) They embrace the power of curiosity
Curiosity, that strong desire to know or learn something, is a powerful driving force behind fast learners.
They are intrinsically motivated to explore new topics, ask questions, and seek answers.
I remember when I was learning about mindfulness for the first time. I didn’t just stop at the basic definition or the common practices.
My curiosity led me to delve into its origins, its benefits, the science behind it, and how it’s being used in modern therapy.
This habit of being curious not only made the learning process more enjoyable but also deepened my understanding of the subject.
Albert Einstein famously said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
This quote resonates strongly with me and with many fast learners.
It’s not always about having a natural talent or high IQ; sometimes, it’s about having the curiosity to explore and understand something deeply.
Don’t shy away from asking questions or exploring unfamiliar territories in your quest for knowledge. Embrace your curiosity and let it guide your learning journey.
3) They aren’t afraid to make mistakes
Have you ever found yourself avoiding trying something new for fear of making a mistake?
It’s a common fear, but it’s one that fast learners don’t let hold them back.
In fact, they embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
Fumbling through a new language, messing up a complex math problem, or stumbling during a presentation might seem embarrassing at first.
But, it’s through these experiences that we truly learn and grow.
Psychologist and Stanford professor, Carol Dweck, said it best: “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.”
Fast learners adopt a growth mindset, as described by Dweck, believing that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
They aren’t deterred by mistakes; instead, they see them as stepping stones towards mastery.
Next time you find yourself fearing failure or making a mistake, remember that it’s a natural part of the learning process.
Embrace it, learn from it, and keep going.
4) They practice active recall
Active recall, the process of actively stimulating memory during the learning process, is a crucial habit that fast learners often utilize.
Instead of passively reading or listening to information, they actively engage with it, testing their memory and understanding throughout the learning process.
This could be through flashcards, quizzes, or simply summarizing the information in their own words.
If you’re aiming to speed up your learning process, consider incorporating active recall into your study routine.
It might feel more challenging at first, but the improved retention and understanding make it worth the effort.
5) They take breaks strategically
Have you ever spent hours at a stretch studying for an exam, only to find that you can barely remember anything the next day?
Fast learners understand this struggle and know the importance of taking regular, strategic breaks.
This is based on the concept of spaced repetition, where learning is broken down into intervals.
It prevents cognitive overload and enhances memory retention.
During my university days, I’d often use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.
This method not only helped me focus better but also made long study sessions more manageable.
Don’t see breaks as a waste of time. When used strategically, they can significantly boost your learning efficiency and retention.
6) They don’t always trust their intuition
While intuition can sometimes guide us in the right direction, fast learners understand that it’s not always reliable, especially when it comes to learning new and complex concepts.
They understand that learning often involves challenging our pre-existing beliefs and assumptions.
It requires critical thinking and the willingness to accept that our initial intuition might be wrong.
Renowned psychologist, Daniel Kahneman, once said, “Intuition is nothing more and nothing less than recognition.” In essence, our intuition is shaped by our past experiences and knowledge.
But when we’re learning something new, we don’t have any prior knowledge or experience to base our intuition on.
Next time you’re grappling with a new concept or skill, don’t rely solely on your intuition.
Instead, approach it with an open and critical mind, ready to challenge your assumptions if necessary.
7) They reflect on their learning
Fast learners often engage in reflective practices.
They take moments to look back on what they’ve learned, analyze their understanding, and plan for future learning.
Reflection allows them to identify gaps in their knowledge, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for improvement.
As psychologist John Dewey once said, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”
It’s not just about the quantity of learning, but the quality.
Take time to reflect on your learning journey. It could be the key to speeding up your process.
Wrapping up
The art of learning is an intricate dance between the mind, habits, and attitude.
It’s not just about intelligence or memory capacity, but also about our approach to learning.
Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, embracing curiosity, accepting mistakes, using active recall, taking strategic breaks, questioning intuition, or reflecting on learning, these seven habits are often seen in individuals who learn faster than average.
These aren’t magic bullets that will instantly turn you into a super-learner. But they do provide a framework that can enhance your learning process.
As you embark on your next learning journey, consider integrating these habits into your routine. See what works for you and what doesn’t.
Every step you take towards becoming a more effective learner brings you closer to mastery.
Learning is a lifelong journey and like any journey, it’s not just about the destination but also about the path you take.
Here’s to making that path more enriching and efficient. Happy learning!
