The Best Ways to Learn

The Best Ways to Learn

The journey towards success is seldom a straight line. Life's path is filled with ups and downs, but there are tools and strategies we can adopt to smooth out the ride. I’ve often discussed these ideas at speaking events and on my old YouTube channel. Since my incarceration, this understanding has become even more valuable to me and to those I’ve shared it with, particularly those focused on personal growth and development.

There are three primary ways to learn:

1. Learning from Your Own Mistakes

Most people learn this way: they dive into an endeavor without preparation or study, make mistakes, and learn not to repeat them. For instance, imagine running on a path and tripping into a hole. The next time you run that path, you'll know to avoid the hole. While this method is slow and often painful, it at least involves taking action and persevering despite setbacks. However, the depth of the hole (and the severity of your injuries) can vary.

2. Learning from Others' Mistakes

A more efficient way to learn is by observing the mistakes of others. Using the same example, if you're running with a friend who trips and falls into a hole, you become aware of the hazard and avoid it. This method spares you personal pain but doesn’t eliminate the pain entirely, as your friend still suffers. In real life, this might be akin to watching a family member succumb to lung cancer from smoking or seeing someone ruin their marriage due to addiction. While this method is more effective than learning from your own mistakes, it still has its limitations.

3. Learning from Others' Successes

The most effective way to learn is by studying the successes of others. Returning to our example, if your friend successfully navigates the path and jumps over the hole, you can learn from their success. In life, this means mirroring the actions and strategies of those who have already achieved the success you aspire to, whether in relationships, business, or spiritual pursuits. A popular saying goes, "Stand on the shoulders of giants." Knowing this is one thing; implementing it is another. 

When pursuing our goals, it's crucial to follow the paths of those who have already achieved what we aim for. Relying solely on learning from our own mistakes or others' failures can lead to knowing only what not to do and running out of time. Instead, take the time to learn the best methods, strategies, and paces. This way, we can achieve our goals and reach levels we never dreamed possible.