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If you want to get better at something, there's no time like the present. The first step in the path to self-improvement is learning the skill through concentrated, focused study. Then, practicing your technique can help you make and reach long-term goals. With effort and time spent strengthening your weaknesses, you can get better at most anything.
Steps
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Reduce the number of distractions while you're learning. Distractions can inhibit your ability to focus and develop any skills. Learn or study the skill in a quiet, controlled environment with minimal distractions like loud noises, electronic devices, or anything else that inhibits your ability to concentrate. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- Try not to multitask while you're learning a new skill. The more concentration you can give to something, the more time and brainpower you can devote to it. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you want to listen to music while learning, choose instrumental music. Music with lyrics are much more likely to distract you from your task. [3] X Research source
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Break learning the task into parts. If you give your brain too much information at once, you may become overwhelmed and have a hard time memorizing it. Instead, learn about the new skill in small, easy-to-digest parts—a chapter or specific skill at a time. [4] X Trustworthy Source Edutopia Educational nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and celebrating classroom innovation Go to source
- If you want to get better at math, for example, focus on one mathematical principle a day to build your knowledge over time.
- Don't cram yourself with information if you're getting better at something for an exam. Spacing out your learning will help you develop a stronger grasp of the topic. [5] X Research source
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Connect the information to something you understand. While learning something new, try to relate it to something you've already practiced or mastered. That way, your brain can translate the skills you learned from the first topic while learning the second. [6] X Research source
- If you're learning to sew better, for example, think about the finger dexterity and attention to patterns you may have learned from knitting.
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Focus on what excites you about the new skill. If you're having trouble focusing while you learn the new skill, pinpoint something about it that interests you. Use the parts that you find intriguing as motivation to spend time learning the skill. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- If you're learning to play the piano better, for example, use music sheets for songs you enjoy to practice.
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Ask yourself questions after learning about a topic. After studying a skill, write down 5-10 questions that capture important elements of the new task or concept. Try to answer the question without any outside help to solidify the topics in your brain. [8] X Research source
- While learning how to sketch, for example, write down a few questions about key art principles, common drawing mistakes, and techniques for improving your sketching skills.
- If you're learning from a textbook, check for practice questions at the end of each chapter. These questions are usually formulated to teach you key elements about the concept.
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Determine a goal for your practicing session. Before you start practicing, think about what tasks you need to improve on. Make a goal that you want to reach by the end of the practicing session to give your session a specific purpose. [9] X Research source
- While practicing how to write an essay, for example, you could make a goal to outline at least 3 introduction paragraphs by the end of the session.
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Model experts in your field while you practice. Modeling people who are already skilled in a subject can help you learn how to successfully accomplish it. Research 2-3 people known for the skill you want to learn and, after studying their work, practice imitating it. You'll be able to develop your own style over time after building a foundation from the experts. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- If you want to learn how to sing, for example, listen to the songs of a few singers you admire and practice music that they've sung.
- Find a mentor in the field you want to pursue.
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Seek immediate feedback while you practice. Don't wait until the end of your practice session to check what you did right or wrong. Instead, check your progress after each task to see what you're doing right and where you need to improve. [11] X Research source
- This will help you improve any weaknesses you have quickly instead of practicing incorrect techniques.
- If you're learning to sprint, for example, time yourself after each lap or mile. If you're not satisfied with your time, make a goal to run the next lap or mile faster.
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Practice in front of someone else, when you're ready. Once you've practiced on your own and feel confident in your abilities, practice in front of a friend or family member. They can evaluate what you've learned so far and give you a new perspective on where to improve next. [12] X Research source
- If you're practicing public speaking, for example, gather a few of your close friends and give them a speech. At the end of the speech, ask them for feedback and tips for improvement.
- For skills that are more independent (like speed reading or learning European history), you could make a list of key facts about the subject and teach them to another person.
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Change your practicing habits if you feel stuck. If you feel like you're in a rut or can't improve a certain skill, changing the way you practice can help you approach your weaknesses through a unique lens. Focus your practicing sessions on your specific weakness, and try a variety of different exercises to strengthen your abilities. [13] X Research source
- If you're learning to write poetry, for example, you could practice annotating poetry for a few sessions instead of freewriting.
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Join a study or practice group. Meeting other people who are learning a new task could help you find new ways of approaching a topic and strengthening weaknesses. Find a practice group or club at your school or community center, or ask others practicing the same skill if they know of any groups.
- You could, for example, join a community basketball team if you're having trouble learning to dunk.
- If you can't find any groups in your area, you can always make your own instead.
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Evaluate your improvement by a new measurement. Sometimes, changing the way you evaluate your abilities can help you spot weaknesses and improve your strengths. You might focus on your accuracy or strength, for example, instead of speed or dexterity. [14] X Trustworthy Source Kansas University Center for Community Health and Development Community-based research center focused on supporting public health development and education Go to source
- Instead of measuring your painting abilities by how many pieces you make a day, for example, you could focus on how you're improving your shading techniques.
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Don't give up if you struggle with a specific skill. If you're having a hard time improving, keep practicing and learning more about it every day. Focus on what you're doing well and, as you make progress in your weaknesses, celebrate your strengths to improve your motivation. [15] X Research source
- Even if the skill doesn't come naturally to you, you may be able to develop and strengthen the skill over time.
- Try not to beat yourself up about mistakes you make. Mistakes can help you learn more about your technique and avoid issues in the future. [16] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I build my confidence in something?Brett Baughman is a Business & Life Coach, as well as the Founder of The Brett Baughman Companies, Inc., and the renowned Action Mastery retreats. With over 20 years of experience, his specialty is helping high-performing executives and entrepreneurs to advance to the next level of success. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and was mentored by Tad James. During his work at the Tad James Company, he earned his certifications as a Master NLP Coach (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a Certified Master Hypnotherapist, an NLP Trainer & Master Practitioner, and a Time Line Therapy Trainer & Master Practitioner. He’s also been voted the Top Coach to work with by Apple News.Focus on your reason for doing it! If you don't understand why you're doing something, you aren't going to be as good at it, because you're doing it based on your mood and stress levels. Your performance dips when you don't have a purpose behind what you're doing.
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Tips
- While developing new skills, make sure to get plenty of sleep every night. If you're well-rested, you'll have more energy to learn and focus on the task at hand. [17] X Research sourceThanks
- Take notes by hand, if you have to take notes while learning. Although taking notes electronically is faster, you are more likely to remember handwritten notes. [19] X Research sourceThanks
- Try to approach learning and developing new skills with a positive attitude. Having an open mind and believing in yourself can help you tackle even difficult tasks.Thanks
[18] X Research source
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Warnings
- Avoid using negative reinforcement to become better at something. Too much stress can worsen your self-confidence and overall ability to pick up new tasks. [20] X Research sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about practicing new skills, check out our in-depth interview with Brett Baughman .
References
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/
- ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/
- ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/7-ways-increase-students-attention-span
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-cram-for-exams
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2019/02/skillful-student
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/metacognitive-study-strategies/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-awesome-career/202204/how-get-the-feedback-you-need
- ↑ https://ggie.berkeley.edu/student-well-being/sel-for-students-self-awareness-and-self-management/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/changing-habits/
- ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluation/evaluation-plan/main
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/darwins-subterranean-world/201503/5-reasons-you-should-never-give
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/self-acceptance/
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/positive-mindset/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/negative-emotions/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To be better at something, try breaking up what you're learning into smaller, easier parts. For example, if you're trying to get better at drawing, you could practice one new technique each week. Also, research experts in the field and model yourself after them to help you achieve your goal. For example, you could look up videos of your favorite singers and practice singing like they do. If you're ever feeling stuck, try switching up your routine and practicing habits so you start making progress again. To learn how to overcome obstacles while you're working toward your goal, scroll down!
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