#013 - The Simple Secret to Learning Faster

Have you ever tried to learn something new, like playing the guitar or understanding a tricky math problem, but felt stuck?

Maybe you kept thinking, Why is this so hard for me when others seem to pick it up so quickly?

The secret might lie in how you learn.

Everyone learns differently, and discovering your learning style is the key to unlocking faster learning.

The Three Main Learning Styles

Experts have identified three main ways people learn:

Words (Verbal Learners)
- These people learn best through reading, writing, or listening to explanations.
- If you’re a verbal learner, you probably enjoy reading books, taking notes, or listening to podcasts.
Visuals (Visual Learners)
- Visual learners need to see things to understand them.
- Charts, diagrams, pictures, and videos make learning easier for them.
- If you’re a visual learner, you might prefer watching how something works rather than hearing about it.
Demos (Kinesthetic Learners)
- Kinesthetic learners thrive when they can do things hands-on.
- They learn by practicing, experimenting, or physically engaging with what they’re trying to learn.
- If you’re this type of learner, sitting through long lectures might not be your thing.
- You’d rather roll up your sleeves and dive in.

Why Does Knowing Your Style Matter?

Imagine trying to build a piece of furniture using only a list of written instructions (words), but you’re a visual learner who needs diagrams to make sense of it.

It would feel frustrating, right?

Understanding your learning style helps you:

Save time by focusing on methods that work best for you.
Stay motivated because the process feels natural and enjoyable.
Retain information better since you’re learning in a way your brain prefers.

How to Discover Your Learning Style

Here are three simple steps to find out what works best for you:

Reflect on Past Experiences
- Think about when you learned something quickly and easily.
- Did you enjoy reading about it, watching videos, or doing it yourself?
- That’s a big clue.
Experiment With All Three
- Pick a simple task, like learning a new recipe. Read the instructions (words), watch a video tutorial (visuals), and try cooking step by step (demo). Which method felt easiest and most effective?
Ask for Feedback
- Sometimes, friends or coworkers notice things about us that we overlook. They might say, “You always understand better when you watch a demo,” or “You’re great at remembering things after writing them down.” Their insights can guide you.

Blending Styles for Maximum Learning

While most people have a dominant learning style, blending methods can be even more powerful.

For example:

If you’re a visual learner, add diagrams to your notes while reading.
If you’re a kinesthetic learner, take notes while watching a video to reinforce the lesson.
If you’re a verbal learner, explain what you’ve learned to someone else. Teaching is a great way to deepen your understanding.

Make Learning Fun and Personal

The most important part of learning faster is making it enjoyable.

Choose topics you’re genuinely curious about and match your learning method to your style.

Whether it’s mastering a new skill, studying for an exam, or just picking up a hobby, knowing how you learn can make the journey smoother and more fun.