Overcoming Learning Challenges: A Journey to Developing Yourself

It's perfectly fine to not be the best student in the class. Every individual has unique strengths and curiosities. The key is to embark on a journey of continuous learning. To develop yourself, start by identifying what truly interests you and pursue it with dedication.

Understanding Your Natural Curiosity

Our natural curiosities often lead to the pursuit of knowledge. The question is, 'What are your natural curiosities?' What is it that excites you and makes you want to learn more about it? For instance, if you're fascinated by photography, delve into it. As a child, I was always curious about photos and the mechanics behind them. I asked questions like, 'How does it work?' and 'Why do some pictures look better than others?' I would spend time looking through the viewfinder of cameras friends would bring home after borrowing them from their parents.

As an adult, I enrolled in a photography course and learned a lot. Although I didn't build a career around it, I observed many photographers thriving. This example is relatable to many careers. What are you naturally curious about?

Overcoming Inertia

To truly develop yourself, you need to identify what bothers you or affects you. This will break through the inertia or the resistance to act. Once you know what motivates you, take up work or pursue learning that doesn't require specific skills, but engages your curiosity. If you can read, write, and understand language, you can start by exploring these skills further.

After getting two degrees, I read a book that I found incredibly useful. 'Learning How To Learn: How To Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying A Guide For Kids and Teens' by Barbara Oakley PhD and Terence Sejnowski PhD. It's a valuable resource that I wish I had read during my teenage years. I recommend watching her YouTube videos as well. Oakley's material is both practical and motivational. She explains how to learn effectively and emphasizes the remarkable capabilities of our brains, which is a source of inspiration for all of us.

Practical Strategies for Success

Here are some practical strategies to help you develop yourself:

Read Textbooks Regularly: Read the textbook of the related subject daily to build a strong foundation of knowledge. Clear Doubts: Clear any doubts about challenging topics and study them regularly to reinforce understanding. Preparation: Read chapters before they are taught in class and try to understand the summary so that when taught, it's easier to grasp. Regular Testing: Take tests every week to assess your understanding and identify areas that need more focus. Model Papers: Solve model papers related to the topics and correct yourself for mistakes. Revisions: Rewrite corrections so that you don't repeat your mistakes and regularly revise older material before moving on to new topics.

Continuous learning and practice are key to developing yourself. Choose a book or topic that you are passionate about and dive in. Remember, the journey is about growth and progress, not about perfection. Keep going and you will see remarkable results.