8 Amazing Habits to Accelerate Self-Improvement and Master New Skills Fast

8 Amazing Habits to Accelerate Self-Improvement and Master New Skills Fast

As a student, we all have our unique ways of learning and adapting to new information. Some of us thrive in classrooms, while others learn better through practical experience. Regardless of our preferred learning style, there are certain habits that can help us speed up the learning process, especially when we’re trying to master new skills or technical subjects. Whether you’re studying for exams, learning a new coding language, or trying to improve in a specific subject area, the right approach can make all the difference.

Here are 8 powerful habits that helped me accelerate my learning and improve my skills rapidly. They are not just useful for academic studies but also for personal growth and professional development. These habits are especially effective when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities like schoolwork, personal life, or even part-time jobs.

1. Sharpening the Axe: Master the Basics First

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” This simple yet profound statement emphasizes the importance of preparation. In any field, learning the fundamental concepts and skills is essential before moving on to more complex material.

For example, if you’re learning to program, you don’t start with advanced algorithms or data structures. First, you need to understand basic concepts like variables, loops, and functions. The same applies to any subject. If you’re learning biology, start with understanding the structure of cells before moving on to more advanced topics like genetics or human anatomy.

When I transitioned into the tech field, I didn’t dive straight into coding frameworks or cloud technologies. I first made sure I had a solid understanding of basic computing concepts, like how a computer works and what operating systems are. These foundational principles made it easier to pick up complex topics later on.

2. Doing One Thing At a Time: The Power of Focus

With so many distractions around us, it’s easy to fall into the trap of multitasking, thinking we’re being productive. But research shows that multitasking actually hinders learning and reduces productivity. To learn quickly and effectively, focus on one task at a time.

A productivity technique called the 5-minute rule can help you when you’re feeling lazy or unmotivated. The rule is simple: if there’s something you know you need to do but you’re not in the mood, just commit to doing it for five minutes. This short time frame makes it less intimidating to start, and often, once you’ve started, you’ll be motivated to continue.

For example, if you need to study for a test but feel overwhelmed by the material, commit to reading one chapter or solving just one problem for five minutes. You’ll often find that once you start, you’ll want to keep going.

3. Allowing Immersion: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by fully immersing yourself in the task at hand. In my earlier days as a student, I realized that I could not concentrate in noisy environments or places full of distractions like my room or a coffee shop. So, I started going to the library.

Immersion is a game-changer because it tricks your brain into focusing. It’s much easier to concentrate on studying when you’re in an environment designed for learning. You’re not tempted to scroll through social media or watch YouTube videos. Libraries or quiet study rooms are excellent places for focused learning.

When you find yourself constantly distracted, try relocating to a place where distractions are minimal. Even working in a different room in your house can make a big difference.

4. Exploiting Weaknesses: Focus on Your Areas of Improvement

When learning something new, it’s tempting to stick to the areas you already feel confident in. However, true growth happens when you challenge yourself by working on your weaknesses.

When I started studying cloud engineering, one of my major weaknesses was understanding how to create infrastructure as code. This was a skill I knew was essential for my career, but I struggled with it. Instead of avoiding this challenge, I spent the majority of my study time working on it, knowing it would help me in the long run.

Ask yourself: What are the areas I find most difficult? These are the areas where you should dedicate more of your time and energy. By actively working on your weaknesses, you’ll see faster improvements overall.

5. Testing Knowledge: Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

You may think that re-reading your notes is the best way to study, but that’s not the most effective method for retaining information. Active recall is a proven technique where you actively test yourself on the material you’ve learned.

For instance, when studying for a history exam, instead of just reading the textbook over and over, you should close the book and quiz yourself on the key points. You could also use flashcards to reinforce what you’ve learned. The more you force your brain to recall information, the stronger the memory connections become.

Pair active recall with spaced repetition, which involves revisiting material at increasing intervals. This method strengthens your long-term memory and helps you retain information for a longer period.

6. Requesting Feedback: Learn From Others

Feedback is one of the most effective ways to improve. Whether it’s from a professor, a classmate, or even through self-reflection, getting feedback allows you to see your work from a different perspective and helps you identify areas for improvement.

Whenever I worked on coding projects, I would ask my peers or mentors for feedback. This helped me understand what I was doing right and where I needed to improve. Don’t be afraid to ask for constructive criticism, because it accelerates the learning process.

The quicker you get feedback, the faster you can correct mistakes and refine your understanding.

7. First Principles: Ask “Why”

One of the most powerful learning techniques is thinking from first principles. Instead of just memorizing facts or repeating information, try to understand the fundamental reasons behind what you’re learning.

For example, when learning physics, don’t just memorize formulas—understand the principles that govern the equations. Ask yourself, Why does this formula work? or What is the underlying concept that makes this true?

Thinking from first principles allows you to learn more deeply and retain information better because you’re not just memorizing; you’re truly understanding the “why” behind what you’re studying.

8. Teaching: Reinforce Your Knowledge by Teaching Others

One of the best ways to solidify what you’ve learned is to teach someone else. The Feynman Technique, named after the Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman, suggests that teaching is a great way to learn. The idea is that if you can explain a concept in simple terms, you truly understand it.

If you’ve just learned something new, try explaining it to a classmate or even to yourself. By simplifying the concept for someone else, you reinforce your own understanding.

Additionally, explaining concepts to others helps reveal gaps in your knowledge. If you can’t explain it clearly, it means there’s something you still need to work on.

Final Thoughts

Improving your learning habits is a continuous process, and it requires patience and consistency. By adopting these 8 habits, you’ll not only accelerate your learning but also develop a deeper understanding of the subjects you study.

Remember, it’s not just about working harder, but working smarter. Whether you’re learning for exams, a new job, or personal development, these strategies will help you get the most out of your study time.

What habits have helped you improve your learning? Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!