The journey of writing continues for me. I have been writing in my offline journals since 2012. I randomly found this entry in one of my journals and found it handy now that I am starting and learning a new skill.
Idea 1: Define
Define what skill you want to learn and set SMART goals to achieve the skill.
SMART goals mean they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Idea 2: Deconstruct the skill
Deconstruct the skill by practicing the small parts, meaning the parts you are going to use the most, first.
Idea 3: Do the research
Research just enough to identify the most important subskills in what you want to learn/do. Don’t allow it to be a form of procrastination. Identify the ideas that come over and over and reuse them.
Idea 4: Remove barriers of practice
Remove barriers of practice. Sit down, and turn off your notifications on your phone. Turn off your TV and close the door.
Idea 5: Prepare a work environment and focus!
Make it easy for yourself to learn. Have something to drink prepared. Put on focus music, whatever puts you in the mood to learn the skill.
Idea 6: Pre-commit time for practice
Make time for deliberate practice. It will help you through the beginning of the frustration time.
Idea 7: Community
Find your community. Learning and doing things with others makes it easier. Learn from someone with experience. Find a mentor who can teach you. You can’t do things all alone. In the online world, there are so many opportunities to learn from others: podcasts, entries on Medium, YouTube videos, etc.
These ideas can help you master any skill you want.