Revolutionize Your Learning Experience by Embracing Philosophy
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding the Power of Learning
Learning is an invaluable skill with a compounding effect on your life. Instead of merely adding value, mastering this skill multiplies your potential. Everything we aspire to achieve requires learning. Today, we aim to explore the most effective and enjoyable methods of learning.
While traditional learning principles like consistency, effort, practice, and teaching have proven their worth, the question remains: Do they also enhance the enjoyment of the learning process? Recently, I came across a refreshing approach that not only facilitates effective learning but also makes it enjoyable. This method acknowledges that learning is a gradual process and emphasizes its contextual significance. I’m excited to share this innovative approach with you today.
I will begin by explaining how I arrived at this insight, followed by some actionable steps for implementation. I am currently applying these insights to various aspects of my life, including my new job, music, fitness, and writing. The lessons learned here are relevant to any field of study.
Chapter 2: The Philosophy-First Learning Approach
Imagine you are stepping into a new job tomorrow—one that you've always desired but have never done before. Filled with gratitude, you are eager to learn as quickly as possible. Although you have great ideas, you must first understand the role. With no formal training or guidance, how do you approach this learning experience?
About 35 days ago, I found myself in a similar situation. I joined a project management team and was eager to make a positive impression quickly. Fortunately, my supervisor had devised an engaging training plan that involved interviewing experienced colleagues to gain their insights.
Initially, I approached these interviews with basic questions, such as:
- What does success mean to you?
- How do you manage your time effectively?
- What can I do to be a more valuable teammate?
While these questions were useful, they only skimmed the surface of what I needed to learn. The initial answers were tactical and focused on "how to" rather than "why."
I then changed my approach and began asking more profound questions that invited deeper insights. As the quality of my inquiries improved, so did the responses. I started to uncover the underlying philosophies that inform the role—essential knowledge that can only be gained through experience.
I began to ask questions that encouraged my colleagues to share their perspectives:
- Why do some succeed while others struggle in this role?
- Knowing what you know now, how would you learn this role if you were in my position?
- What new insights about this role have you gained over the past year?
This shift led me to the philosophy-first approach to learning. It transformed my focus from merely understanding the mechanics of the role to grasping the reasons behind those mechanics.
Chapter 3: Why Philosophy-First is Both Effective and Enjoyable
As Simon Sinek eloquently expresses in his bestseller Start with Why, we should shift our inquiries from "What should we do to compete?" to "Why did we begin doing what we do in the first place?" This principle applies beyond work; it’s crucial to create a narrative around your motivations for learning any new skill.
Understanding the "why" behind your efforts allows you to construct a guiding philosophy that influences your daily learning activities. Skills require time to master, and as you invest that time, the bigger picture becomes clearer. With experience, you instinctively recognize the areas deserving your focus. Once you have mastered a skill, you can guide newcomers on where to direct their efforts.
A philosophy-first approach provides you with end-game knowledge early in your learning journey. This connection between practice and the ultimate goal enhances both the effectiveness and enjoyment of the learning process.
Now, I will share actionable tips for implementing this approach. But first, take a look at this diagram illustrating the typical learning path. Traditionally, you start, learn, and eventually develop a philosophy. I suggest moving the philosophy component earlier in the process to make subsequent learning more relevant.
Chapter 4: Steps to Implement the Philosophy-First Approach
The goal is to make learning both fun and effective by uncovering insights typically reserved for those with years of experience. Here’s how you can start learning the "why" earlier in your journey:
Engage with Experts
Identify individuals who are recognized as masters in the field you wish to learn. Seek out their writings, interviews, and teachings through various mediums like books, podcasts, and videos. The key is to understand the reasoning behind the tactics they share. Always ask, "Why are they doing it this way?" Stay curious.
This approach encourages you to think critically about what you're learning, allowing you to develop your hypotheses and validate them through practice.
Ask Better Questions
Connecting with experts is beneficial, but you can also improve your learning by refining your questions. Remember the purpose of your inquiries—are they aimed at uncovering a 'how' or a 'why'? While knowing how to perform a task is important, understanding why it matters provides essential context.
This self-reflection will help you ask only the questions that truly matter, enhancing your learning experience.
Practice with Purpose
Ultimately, practice is unavoidable in the learning process. However, once you grasp the underlying philosophy, you can practice with intention. Keep the broader themes in mind to avoid going into autopilot. Staying engaged with your craft will make the learning process both effective and enjoyable.
The first video, Want to Learn Philosophy?... START HERE!!, offers a foundational understanding of philosophical concepts that can enhance your learning approach.
The second video, Philosophy for Beginners, provides insights into philosophical thinking that can enrich your learning experience across various disciplines.