One of my Gallup StrengthsFinder talents is learning and collecting information. My previous career as a journalist involved gathering large amounts of information daily and staying on top of new trends and current events. After learning about AI applications this year, there's even more information to keep up with! Many people have messaged me asking how to learn new things across disciplines, get up to speed quickly, and apply them. Here I'll share the learning methods I've compiled from my past experience.
- Acquire information massively through reading and conversation
After entering the workforce, my reading frequency and volume have been extremely high. By reading, I don't just mean books—websites, articles, and exhibitions all count. At the same time, conversing with people from different fields helps you acquire diverse information. All this acquisition is to first "know" and build a database of knowledge. In the future, when needed, there's always an opportunity to use it.
- Deconstruct problems and identify unknowns
When facing unfamiliar tools, problems, or information, my first step is to hypothesize about the problem and then deconstruct it. For example, I'm recently planning a large-scale physical exhibition. Although I've never actually held one before, based on past experience, I first assume "I need to invite 15 brands to set up booths," then deconstruct what booth setup requires: inviting 15 brands and preparing booth spaces. Booth spaces are further divided into traffic flow, design, lighting, and power. Traffic flow must consider length, width, height, and aisles...and so on, deconstructing infinitely. Eventually, they all become simple individual problems to solve.
- Maintain curiosity and actively collect information
Building on the previous point, you need to collect information targeted at the problem to find solutions. So maintain curiosity and purposefully gather data. The difference between collecting information and acquiring information is that you now know "why you're doing this," so you search for methods within a specific framework.
When learning AI tools, I often find myself in scenarios like "Is there a more interesting way to do this?" or "Are there any situations where I could apply this?" With ChatGPT, it's "Are there other ways to give commands?" or "How do I set the Temperature parameter..." Then I follow this line of thinking to try it with Python or find other applications.
- Practically apply and solve problems
After finding solutions, apply them in different scenarios to solve problems. For example, with AI sharing, when I see someone share a good method like perspective shooting, I directly try it and use it in different aspects of life. That's how you learn a technique.
Or when learning communication, if you previously spoke too directly but learned that praising first before pointing out problems is more effective, you actually implement it.
- Repeat use to strengthen habit memory
Atomic Habits mentions the concept of the habit line, meaning "mastery of habits begins with repetition." After establishing a habit, how do you sustain it and bring it toward perfection? Repeated practice is very important. The process from requiring effort to acting without thinking is called automation.
The habit curve refers to when you first try something new, it requires significant mental effort and focus. After repeating several times, the curve rises. Once it surpasses the habit line, behavior becomes habit. You no longer need to think much; you can respond directly and develop muscle memory.
But finally, I want to remind you that when learning new things, what matters most is maintaining an open mindset, being willing to try, not fearing failure and change. Everyone has the ability to become a better version of themselves through learning.
