How do I maintain consistency when learning a new skill?

Question

Sometimes, I find it difficult to maintain focus when learning new skills, especially when I'm just getting the hang of it. Most times, it's due to being distracted by learning another skill. How do I "manipulate" my brain into keeping focused until I've gained satisfactory level in a skill before moving on?

Answer 1

Joshua,

First you have to make a no escape clause, burn your boat, sink or swim decision that you are going to learn this new skill.

I use an online timer http://e.ggtimer.com/ and establish a chunk of time that I'm going to devote to this new skill. I like 90 minutes and once the timer goes off I get up stretch, get a drink of water, walk around a little and then return for another chunk of learning.

I also use a very soothing background noise http://simplynoise.com/ that filter out the ambient noises that tend to create distractions. I like the pink noise at about the 8 setting.

And the most important step is framing my focus before I begin each new chunk of time. I try to establish a destination I'd like to reach during that time period so that my brain locks in on that destination.

Answer 2

I struggle with the same thing. I've been using a free site called www.simplist.me which helps me basically set up regular routines for pretty much anything (I actually have one for dental care and taking care of my car, among others). It works pretty well in helping me stay on track with new things I want to get done daily.

They are in their alpha stage so the product has some issues, but they are correcting them quickly from what I can tell. It works for me, but I've also asked them to make some improvements and they responded very quickly.

Hope that helps!