Here's how you can learn new skills quickly and efficiently.

Follow these strategies: 1) Set clear goals and break them into smaller, manageable steps, 2) Utilize online resources like tutorials, videos, and courses, 3) Practice consistently with focused sessions, 4) Learn from multiple sources to gain diverse perspectives, 5) Apply the knowledge in real-life situations, 6) Seek feedback and guidance from experts, 7) Stay motivated and maintain a growth mindset, and 8) Take breaks to avoid burnout.

Other than SMART goal - we can also consider adopting SMARTER goal, with E being evaluate and R representing Readjust, so that we could evaluate our progress as we move to achieve the goal and make changes should the need arises.

To swiftly learn new skills, hear what you do: Immerse yourself in learning resources, such as books, courses, and workshops. Break down the skill into manageable chunks and focus on mastering one aspect at a time. Practice consistently, dedicating time each day to honing your abilities. Seek guidance from experts or mentors who can provide valuable insights and feedback. Embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and staying committed to your learning journey. By following these principles, you can accelerate your skill acquisition and achieve mastery more efficiently.

When you're building a new skill, you don't have to become and expert. Think about what you want to do, and work backwards from there to determine just how skilled you want to become. Then, breakdown your learning journey into small, manageable milestones.

In my experience, reflection is crucial part of your professional development, especially if you are learning a new skill. This allows you to assess your strengths and weakness. You should ask yourself a few questions when you do this to help you identify what resources you may need to support you. Do you need to seek guidance from a mentor or coach? Are there courses you can take to expand your knowledge (e.g. Linkedin Learning)? On a scale of 1-10 how confident would you be if you had to perform this new skill in a project or task? By reflecting on your experiences, you will be able to see a pattern of growth in the new skill you are developing. You could also share best practice on how you reflect with your peers.

Considering each new skill with the expectation that there will always be something new and exciting to discover. This keeps the learning process interesting. We can increase our interest by setting precise, compelling goals that drive us to experiment with different areas of the skill. For example, if case of learning a new software, we can set a task for our self to construct a project that requires us to use some of its less obvious functions. Also, don't rely on one approach or source; instead, we must read articles, watch videos, join forums, and attend workshops. This variation not only enriches the learning experience, but also exposes us to a wide range of perspectives and improving our general understanding and adaptability.

I'm a firm believer of understanding what you want to achieve and why it is important, before you define the goal that will enable that outcome. See our YouTube channel for more content. But for learning new skills - this is the one area that approach is not always needed. Sure - when you need to learn new skills for a specific requirement then approach it sensibly. But sometimes you should learn new skills just because you don't know how to do something - that perhaps has nothing to do with your career, nor does it have any demonstrative immediate value. Learn because it is fun sometimes, not only because it is needed.

In my professional experience, acquiring new skills is facilitated by a strong motivation to learn and apply them within the context of one's work domain.

From my point of view, Focus on the "direct-then-drill" approach. Start by getting hands-on ASAP, even if it's messy. This jumpstarts your learning. Then, identify weaknesses and practice those specific areas. Break it down. Chunk the skill into bite-sized, achievable pieces. Learn and practice one piece at a time before moving on. Actively engage. Don't just passively watch tutorials. Take notes, write things down, and explain concepts to yourself as if teaching someone else. Seek out feedback. Find a mentor, join a community, or use online resources that allow you to get feedback on your progress. Make it fun! Choose a learning method you enjoy, like interactive courses or games. Reward yourself for reaching milestones to stay motivated.

Progress over perfection! Focus on working on your skills regularly. Whether it's five minutes a day or thirty minutes a week, it's crucial to practice your skills on a regular basis. Learning something new takes time, so worry less about perfecting the skill and more about getting better at it.