Mini guide for education
This guide can help you figure out how to learn more, grow more, and—dare I say—have fun doing it. Whether leveling up for your career, diving into a new hobby, or expanding your knowledge to win more arguments (oops, I mean healthy debates), this guide will help you learn intentionally.
Step 1: Reflect
Before you plan, let’s take a moment to look at where you are with learning—besides Googling random things at 2 a.m.
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Podcasts? Online courses? YouTube deep dives? Figuring out your favorite learning methods helps you focus on what works best (no shame if it's TED Talks while eating lunch).
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Are you still driven by curiosity, or has that curiosity fallen into a Netflix binge routine? It’s okay—recognizing it is the first step to changing it.
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Is there something that makes you think, “Wow, that’s cool, I wish I knew more about that”? Anything counts—whether it’s philosophy, graphic design, or baking really fancy bread.
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Knowing why you’re learning helps set the direction. Maybe it’s career-driven, maybe it's just to prove that you can finally learn guitar chords without your fingers cramping up.
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Are you pushing yourself to tackle tricky subjects, or sticking with what you already know? (Playing it safe is fine for skydiving, less so for lifelong learning.)
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Be honest—is it a lack of time, motivation, or maybe just not knowing where to start? Identifying what’s tripping you up is half the battle.
Step 2: Identify
Now, let’s get specific about what’s next on your educational journey.
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Pick just one thing to dive into. You’re less likely to get overwhelmed this way. Plus, you’ll actually get to the “I did it!” part a lot faster.
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Maybe you need an online course with a certificate for your resumé, or maybe a YouTube playlist will do the trick. Decide what’s right for you and your goals.
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No judgment here—sometimes it’s just Netflix being too tempting. But really, is it a lack of time, fear of starting, or feeling too rusty? Identify it so you can deal with it.
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Learning alone is great, but having someone to cheer you on—or at least guilt you into sticking with it—can work wonders. Would a group or a mentor help keep you accountable?
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Can you listen to an audiobook on your commute, or read while waiting in line for coffee? Even 15 minutes a day adds up—think of it like compound interest, but for your brain.
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Long-term, where do you want all this learning to take you? Whether it’s changing careers, starting a side hustle, or just impressing friends with your random trivia, knowing the destination helps.
Step 3: Create an action plan
Now for the fun part—taking action! Here’s how to turn those good intentions into regular learning habits.
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Set a learning goal: Pick a short-term project—like finishing that online course or reading two books about a topic you’re curious about.
Schedule study time: Block off specific times for learning each week. Pencil it in (or type it in), and treat it like a meeting—because let’s face it, your brain deserves a time slot, too.
Join a community: Find an online group or forum full of people learning the same stuff as you. They’re likely just as nerdy about it, and you’ll feel more motivated.
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Enroll in a course: Go for something structured—an online workshop, a class at the community college, or even just a deep-dive YouTube series. Structure keeps things real.
Apply what you’re learning: Put those new skills to work! Take photos if you’re learning photography, write blog posts if you’re learning marketing—doing is the best way to learn.
Track your progress: Keep a journal or app log to see how far you’ve come. Trust me, those little milestones are a huge motivator.
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Go for something advanced: Push your limits. Maybe it’s a certification, a big creative project, or finally tackling calculus (yes, you can).
Teach what you know: One of the best ways to learn is to teach. Share your knowledge in a blog, a YouTube video, or even in a friend group setting. You’ll learn a ton just from explaining it.
Make learning a lifestyle: Keep a running list of topics you want to explore and dive into them regularly. Make it a habit, just like checking your phone (except less doom-scrolling, more brain-boosting).
Step 4: Regular check-ins and accountability
Check-ins help make sure that this learning journey doesn’t fall apart after week two. Here’s how to stay consistent:
Monthly progress review: At the end of each month, look back at what you’ve learned. Were you consistent? Did you love it, or did it feel like pulling teeth? Adjust accordingly.
Get a learning buddy: Accountability works. Find a friend who’s also learning (even if it’s not the same topic) and check in with each other. Share your wins—and your fails—because learning’s better together.
Reward yourself: Completed a course? Celebrate! Get yourself a treat, pat your back, or do a happy dance. It sounds silly, but rewards work wonders for motivation.
Reassess the why: Every few months, ask yourself if what you’re learning still aligns with your goals. If it doesn’t, pivot. Learning should be fun and fulfilling, not another chore on the list.
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Example action plan for education
Here’s an example of how someone might put this guide into action:
Current situation: You’re interested in digital marketing to grow your career but also have a secret wish to learn to bake really fancy sourdough bread.
Reflection:
You notice your motivation to learn marketing wanes without structure.
You also want to bake but keep thinking it’s too time-consuming.
Action plan:
Short-term: Start an online digital marketing course (30 minutes, twice a week). Block off Sunday afternoons for baking—one loaf a week!
Mid-term: Sign up for a local marketing workshop and bake a different type of bread every month. Track progress in a learning journal—because you know, sourdough takes practice.
Long-term: Aim to get a marketing certification within the year. Host a baking night with friends to share what you’ve learned (and to justify the endless flour bags in your pantry).