How To Truly Learn: A Step By Step Guide

When you’re learning something new, there’s no escaping the fact that it will be challenging.

That’s the nature of growth—it’s uncomfortable, sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding if you stick with it.

The problem is that many people give up too soon.

If you truly want to gain something valuable from the learning process, you have to persist, even when it feels overwhelming.

Real learning happens when you push through those moments of frustration and stay committed, even when it seems like nothing is working.

Why Learning Feels Hard

The first time you encounter something new—be it a skill, a concept, an idea, or a habit—it’s going to feel difficult.

That’s because your brain is wired to treat the unknown as a potential threat.

Think about it: back in ancient times, hearing a rustle in the bushes for you could mean a predator was nearby.

Your brain’s immediate reaction would be, “Is that a tiger? Is that a bear?” So it would immediately prepare you to fight or flee.

Today, the same survival mechanisms activate when you face unfamiliar challenges, like learning a new skill.

When you face something new and begin learning, your brain releases adrenaline—your fight-or-flight chemical—making you restless and uncomfortable.

Your mind then starts telling you, “This is too hard,” or, “You should just quit and do something easier”, all in the attempt to make you stop because it is not familiar with what you are doing.

This is why learning is so hard. Whenever you try to go out your comfort zone your own brain deliberately tries to talk you out of it, distract you, and you end up thinking, “this is too difficult”.

This biological reaction is why so many people struggle to stick with learning. They weren’t taught how to navigate this discomfort or understand that it’s part of the process.

The Secret to Learning: Stick With It

The good news? You already know how to persevere—you’ve done it before.

Think back to when you were a baby learning to walk. You didn’t start out running.

You tried walking but you fell, and then you thought, “okay lemme start by crawling first”.

You crawled, and it worked, then, you thought, “lemme try standing up, even if I hold on to a wall”.

You did that, then stood with help, and eventually you took your first steps. You fell many times, but you didn’t give up.

That same resilience is still within you. Learning something new as an adult requires the same persistence you had as a child.

The problem today is that we dread difficulty, and this fear makes us weaker.

If we want to become better individuals, build stronger relationships, or achieve meaningful goals, we must embrace the challenge of learning.

How Your Brain Learns

When you’re actively focused on learning, a part of your brain called the Task Positive Network (TPN) is what works hard.

This network handles problem-solving, attention, and concentration. It’s all about zooming in. But focusing too much on one single thing can lead to frustration and mental fatigue.

That’s where the Default Mode Network (DMN) comes in. This is the part of your brain that activates when you’re resting, daydreaming, or sleeping.

It takes everything you’ve learned from the TPN and organizes it, connecting ideas and strengthening neural pathways, while your mind is at rest.

So here’s the trick:

Learning happens when you balance these two systems. You focus intensely (using the TPN), then take breaks to let your brain process (using the DMN).

Then, after your due break, you go back and hammer at the problem again with the TPN for a certain time, when it’s full you go back to resting and let the DMN takeover.

Over time, this cycle helps you make sense of what you’re learning, making it easier to recall and apply. It becomes embodied in you.

If you quit too early, your brain doesn’t have the time to build those ultimate connections.

Sticking with it, even when it’s hard, allows your brain to work in the background, turning all the confusion into pristine clarity.

A Framework for Learning: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Focus on One Thing at a Time

• Pick Your Goal: Decide what you want to learn and break it into smaller steps.

• Set a Timer: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break (the Pomodoro Technique).

• Repeat This Process 4 Times: Break down your learning into four 25 minute sessions, with 5 minute breaks in between.

• Remove Distractions: Turn off notifications and find a quiet space.

Step 2: Write Down What You Learn

• Take Notes: Write in your own words to improve retention.

• Ask Questions: Note anything you don’t understand to revisit later.

• Visualize: Draw diagrams or charts to make concepts clearer.

Step 3: Take Breaks to Recharge

• Relax Your Mind: Go for a walk, play a game, or meditate.

• Let Ideas Connect: Trust your brain to make sense of what you’ve learned.

• Prioritize Sleep: Good rest solidifies learning and memory.

Step 4: Review and Share

• Teach Someone Else: Explaining what you’ve learned helps cement it in your mind.

• Revisit Notes: Review regularly—after a day, a week, and a month.

• Find Patterns: Look for connections between ideas to deepen understanding.

Step 5: Apply What You Learn

• Practice: Use your new knowledge in real-world situations.

• Embrace Mistakes: Errors are opportunities to grow.

• Celebrate Progress: Recognize and reward your achievements.

Why This Works

Your brain is designed to learn by balancing focus and rest.

By following this framework, you’ll make the most of your brain’s natural abilities, reducing frustration and making learning more effective.

Start Learning Today

Pick something you’ve been meaning to learn. Follow the steps above, and watch how much progress you make.

Remember: the key to learning isn’t talent—it’s persistence.

Stick with it, and you’ll unlock your potential.

See you in the next letter.

~ King George

Again, if you want my help, here’s my link:
Click Here to Start Your Transformation
_{The Service Is Not Free.}

Subscribe to my newsletter for more:
https://gcode.beehiiv.com/subscribe