5 Reasons Why You're Struggling with Learning Stuff (TWIL #4)

Like it or not--Learning skills is your only way to climb any ladder in life.

"Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers." - Socrates

When was the last time you put effort into something that you really, really cared about—without caring about the results?

That phrase is important—without caring about the results. Why do I say that? Aren’t results what matter the most?

Sure they do. But constantly thinking about the results is hindering your process—the most crucial process in any pursuit you are set out at—Learning.

In simple words, Learning means to gain knowledge or to acquire a particular skill that will help in some of the pursuits that are important to you in some way.

It can be learning a new language, or a new skill like MS Excel, or a new subject like Finance, or learning how to maintain and nurture relationships, literally anything.

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5 Reasons Why You Struggle to Learn

Alright, let's cut to the chase. Learning isn't always a walk in the park, even for the most motivated among us. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves hitting a wall.

Let us look at those reasons; and don’t worry, I have also provided some solutions that can help you fix them.

1. Fear of Failure:

The dreaded F-word. We've all been there – paralyzed by the fear of falling short, making mistakes, or looking like a fool.

Remember the start of this blog? How I tell you about not caring about the results?

I know, it is easier said than done. But try doing something genuinely. And learn to fail faster, fail forward.

Consider that it is a necessary stepping stone on the learning path—and free yourself from the noise that makes you believe it is inherently a bad thing.

2. Comfort Zone Comfort:

Ah, the cozy confines of our comfort zones.

While they may feel safe and snug, they're also the sworn enemies of growth and progress.

Normally, you choose Netflix over some course you want to finish or spend an hour scrolling instead of doing something productive.

If you find yourself stuck in a rut, maybe it's time that you fold your sleeves and start putting in the work regardless of how you feel.

Step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and watch how your world expands.

3. Lack of Focus:

In today's hyper-connected world, distractions are at every turn.

From buzzing smartphones to endless social media feeds, it's easy to lose focus and derail your learning efforts.

But fear not, focus is literally like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice.

Set aside dedicated time for learning, eliminate distractions, and watch how your productivity soars.

I have completed numerous things I had kept on hold in the last few days by just putting in focused effort for an hour or two every day.

Strengthen your Focus.

4. Fixed Mindset:

Have you ever said/heard these phrases:

• "I'm just not good at math"

• "I'll never be able to learn a new language"

• “I will never be as good as XYZ”?

That, my friends, is a fixed mindset at work. When we believe that our abilities are set in stone, we limit our potential for growth and improvement.

You will never Learn if you set boundaries on your abilities, period.

But here's the good news: mindset is never fixed; it's malleable. The earlier you start to learn that your mindset is malleable, the better it is to shape it to your benefit.

Cultivate a growth mindset, embrace challenges, and watch how even the most mundane of your abilities blossom.

5. Lack of Purpose:

Now everyone may have a different POV on this, but Learning without purpose is like sailing without a compass.

You may end up somewhere, but it's unlikely to be where you want to be.

I did this to myself right out of undergrad—where I sailed the boat of college placements and got a decent job at a place I did not want to be at—by learning the wrong things.

Mind you, I never learned the wrong things—they were just wrong for me.

Before diving into a new learning endeavor, take a moment to clarify your goals and motivations.

What do you hope to achieve? How will this learning journey enrich your life?

By anchoring your efforts in purpose, you'll find the motivation and drive to overcome any obstacle in your path.

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This is kind of a long read, so thank you for reading till the end.

In conclusion—Learning is one of the most crucial parts of your life.

Understand this—Learning needs Effort.

It is only when you—try multiple things, Unlearn, Relearn, fail multiple times and go through certain trials and tribulations—that you learn something.

Thanks again.

Lots of Love,

Abhishek