Your Schedule Can Accommodate Your Own Learning
If you're like most people, learning and self-development keep getting pushed to the bottom of your task list. In the past couple of years, we've all discovered new ways to do our work differently and better, but many of us still have a list of personal development goals waiting to be tackled. Whether it’s becoming a more empathetic leader, understanding how crypto might impact your industry, or building a rebranding strategy, it's hard to get started when everything else feels urgent.
But learning doesn't have to be a massive undertaking. In fact, the most effective learning happens when it integrates with your existing work. This guide outlines how to get started with a focused, agile approach using sprints, experiments, and critique.
First, Create Your Focus
The hardest part of any learning journey is often just beginning. A clearly defined focus helps build motivation and sets a direction. Use the following steps to get focused and ready to learn:
1. Create a Vision
What challenges or opportunities are driving your learning need?
What changes or improvements do you hope your learning will lead to?
2. Check for a Growth Mindset
Do you want to grow in this area?
Do you believe you can?If the answer to both is "no," it might be worth rethinking this learning goal.
3. Define the Learning Area
What do you already know?
What don’t you know?
What do you need to research or decide to narrow your focus?
4. Build an Agile Learning Plan
What outcomes will indicate success?
What sources of support or knowledge will you turn to first?
What steps can you take in the next 2 weeks, 2 months, and 2 quarters?
Next, Launch a Cycle of Learning and Critique
Learning is iterative. Your goals may evolve, and that's okay. Staying agile means finding small ways to practice, test, and reflect.
1. Start Sprinting
Each week, take 5 minutes to scan your schedule. Look for learning moments—whether it’s blocking time to research, testing a new skill in a meeting, or reaching out to a peer for input.
2. Experiment
When building a skill, design small experiments. Try new approaches, test a new tool, or run a short-term pilot. Define your test, measure outcomes, and observe what happens.
3. Critique
Use regular reflection to learn and adjust:
What worked, and why?
What didn’t, and why?
What was surprising?
What should change going forward?
Make Learning Stick
The cycle of sprinting, experimenting, and critiquing helps new learning become embedded in your routine. If you can carve out time for a course or workshop—great! But the key to learning that lasts is applying what you learn.
If you're exhausted and short on time, look for ways to integrate learning into your everyday workflow. Awareness is the first step. Even 10 minutes a week with intention can build lasting growth. Cheers!
