HOW TO BECOME AN INTELLIGENT LEARNER

According to information experts, 80 to 90 per cent of the information inputs we receive daily comes through visual cues. 

Most of these visual cues are captured by our brain through the process of observation and reading. Therefore, to be able to master information, we must become an intelligent learner.

On these pages, I have synthesised some useful, practical techniques and workable insights to help you become an intelligent learner.

For your quick and easy reference, I have organised them in the following approach:

Develop Powerful Work Habits

According to Robert Ringer, best-selling author of the books, ‘Look Out for #1’ and ‘Million Dollar Habits’, there is only one major difference between successful people and mediocre people, and that is, habits. 

Successful people have simple but powerful habits and these habits can be learned by anyone who is willing to put forth the necessary effort.

So, first make a habit to plan and prioritise your day.

Every morning, or before you go to bed the night before, make a list of tasks for the day ahead. Start by listing every major task you need to take. 

Categorise each task as priority A, B or C, depending on its importance to you. Focus on tasks that are really important. 

(Remember, “urgency” does not equal “importance”) and then, do them, but tackle the C’s only after you have finished the A’s & B’s.

Set goals. 

In order to organise your priorities, you have to know what your goals are. 

Spend some moments off solitude and quietude to think about what you want to accomplish in different but major dimensions of your life (e.g. academic pursuit, career aspirations, physical health, wealth creation, mental development, family relationships, social networking, recreational ventures, spiritual development, entrepreneurial sidegigs, etc.), both in the long term and in the near future. 

Against the foregoing major life dimensions of yours, think about what you want to be, to do, to learn, to change, to improve, where you want to go, who you want to meet, say a few years from now. 

Write down your goals on paper and set out an action plan as well as a time table for completion. This is very important.

Goals will help you to focus on the future, and a compelling vision will always pull you forward towards your desired future.

[to be continued in Part II]