Why Learning Can Be Enjoyable

It's likely that everyone reading this recognizes the significance of learning. It plays a crucial role in both professional and academic settings, as well as in any hobbies you wish to pursue. However, learning can also be a source of joy in its own right. One of the most profound benefits is that it serves as a form of intellectual cross-training.

This concept is akin to physical cross-training, which involves participating in various sports or exercises to enhance performance in your primary activity. The same idea applies to mental endeavors. For instance, my regular chess practice has improved my planning skills across different aspects of my life, including finances and article writing. Similarly, dabbling in Python programming has enriched my problem-solving abilities.

How to Self-Teach Effectively

"Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible."

— Richard Feynman

Keep this insightful quote from physicist Richard Feynman in mind as you embark on your self-learning journey. While I will share effective strategies, it's essential to discover what resonates with you personally.

Maintaining Enjoyment:

Before you begin, develop a strategy to keep your learning both enjoyable and organized.

Gamification:

I find gamification to be an effective approach. Transform your objectives into a game-like experience. I personally use Habitica for this purpose, where completing tasks earns me points that can be spent on in-game rewards. More importantly, I celebrate achieving streaks, such as a 7-day task completion streak, with personal treats—whether it's indulging in a seafood boil or enjoying a lazy weekend. This system allows me to enjoy rewards guilt-free.

Creating a Learning Framework:

Establish a structured system to plan and track your learning. Think of it as your personal curriculum. Simply stating, "I'm going to learn math," is insufficient. You need to outline every step of your journey, from pre-algebra to calculus, and break each step down into actionable learning strategies.

Tips and Resources:

So, how can you effectively learn on your own? Fortunately, numerous free resources are available for any skill or topic you want to explore. After consuming information, take time to reflect on it. Mentally engage with the material, jot down your thoughts, and write notes as if explaining the concepts to a friend.

This reflection is crucial: IF YOU NOTICE YOUR FOCUS WANDERING, TAKE A BREAK! Return when you have the mental capacity to truly absorb the content. You may initially find it challenging to concentrate for extended periods, but over time, you'll find your focus improving.

Now, let's dive into some resources.

Books and Textbooks:

This is probably the most obvious starting point. While I won't delve deeply into standard books, they are invaluable resources. Surprisingly, textbooks can also be captivating and informative. Though they may have a reputation for being dull, schools often fail to provide exposure to varied textbooks, which can greatly affect your reading experience. Different authors present material in unique and engaging ways, and you can often find affordable or even free options online.

Educational Videos:

You’re likely already aware of this fantastic resource. YouTube offers an abundance of material on virtually any topic you can think of. While it's an entertaining way to learn, exercise caution; not all sources provide reliable information, and distractions abound.

Online Courses:

Here are a few platforms offering free courses:

• Khan Academy: Offers videos covering a wide range of subjects from grade school to early college.
• Codecademy: Provides interactive coding exercises with immediate feedback.
• edX: Features a diverse array of courses on various topics.
• Gresham College: Delivers university-quality lectures and courses at no cost.

Summary

Learning transcends traditional education. Engaging in intellectual cross-training enhances all areas of life. Make sure to allocate time for digesting what you've learned. If your focus wanes, pause and return later. Write notes as if teaching a friend, and don’t forget to leverage communities like Reddit for resources. Gamify your learning process and craft a structured curriculum.

Thank you for reading! I'll delve deeper into various aspects of this topic in future articles, so stay tuned.