Sometimes, the problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough on your learning process. It’s that you’re focusing on the wrong things. This is especially true of speed. You probably think that the faster you can do something, the more likely you’ll be able to master it. The truth is, if you focus on speed before you focus on listening, you’re actually going to slow yourself down. The reason is that when you focus on speed, you’re never really sure if what you’re doing is actually working or not. It might feel like it’s working. You might even convince yourself that it’s working. But the reality is that it’s not. By contrast, when you focus on listening, you’re able to figure out what’s working and what isn’t. And this focus will always pay off in the long run.
What do I mean by “listening” here? I’m talking about a mindset that values observation and recognition over action. I’m talking about a mindset that asks questions, and seeks out answers. I’m talking about a mindset that looks for feedback wherever it can find it. And I’m talking about a mindset that is not afraid to slow down and listen to that feedback. So what does that mean? For starters, it means paying attention to the discipline of noticing feedback, tension, and mistakes. These are all important signals, and if you don’t listen to them, you’re never going to be able to master the skill you’re trying to learn.
It also means paying attention to the results you’re getting. Are you getting the results you want? If not, why not? Is it something you’re doing? Or is it something you’re not doing? The key is to listen to the feedback you’re getting, and make adjustments accordingly. And sometimes, it means taking a step back and asking yourself if what you’re doing is even working at all. Is this the right approach for you? Are you getting the results you want? If not, why not? Is there a better way? These are all questions you need to ask yourself, and you need to listen to the answers. One of the reasons that focusing on listening is better than focusing on speed is that it actually helps you master the skill more durably. The reason is that when you focus on listening, you are able to build a strong foundation. A foundation of knowledge and understanding that will serve you well in the long run. This depth creates flexibility, enabling transfer across contexts rather than dependence on familiar conditions.
When you focus on speed, by contrast, you are focusing on short-term gains. You want to get the skill mastered as quickly as possible. And you probably don’t care how you do it. But the truth is that this is a recipe for disaster. Because when you focus on speed, you are never actually building the foundation you need to master the skill in the long-term. Another reason that listening is better than speed is that it actually helps you build a more sustainable mindset. When you focus on speed, you are constantly putting yourself under pressure. You are constantly trying to push yourself to go faster and faster. And you are constantly getting frustrated when you fail to meet your goals. When you focus on listening, by contrast, you are taking the pressure off. You are allowing yourself to slow down and focus on the present moment. And you are listening to the feedback you’re getting, and making adjustments accordingly.
This is a much more sustainable mindset in the long run. Because when you’re focusing on listening, you’re not putting yourself under pressure. You’re not getting frustrated. And you’re not burning yourself out. When you’re trying to master a new skill, it can be tempting to focus on speed. You want to get the skill mastered as quickly as possible. And you probably don’t care how you do it. But the truth is that this is a huge mistake. When you focus on speed, you are not building the foundation you need to master the skill in the long-term. You are putting yourself under pressure. And you are setting yourself up for frustration and burnout. A much better approach is to focus on listening. To slow down and pay attention to the feedback you’re getting. To ask questions, and seek out answers. And to make adjustments accordingly. This will help you build the strong foundation you need to master the skill in the long-term. It will take the pressure off. And it will help you avoid frustration and burnout. So the next time you’re trying to master a new skill, remember this. Focus on listening. Not speed.