Learn like a Jedi - like the Starwars version and Become a Master in your Field

3 Apr 2020

How to Learn like a Jedi

Learning like a Jedi requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to improve your skills and knowledge continuously. Most people know the story of Luke Skywalker. A simple farm boy who became one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy had ever known. He didn’t wake up a Jedi Knight, learn on the job, or wing it. He went off deep into the jungle with no distractions, where he could learn and practice his skills in an environment where he could make mistakes without jeopardising the galaxy; under the careful guidance of Yoda, his trainer, coach and mentor, all rolled into one.

A challenge some business owners and managers face is when and how to develop staff. When energy, resources and budgets have been allocated, it leaves little or nothing for development, which isn’t ideal when goals are met. It’s time to shift how we view professional development and see it as a must-do rather than a nice-to-do.

How to Learn like a Jedi?

Firstly, there’s no need to go into the depths of a jungle. We need to create a Learning Zone, a dedicated time to learn, practice skills and make mistakes.

In the workplace, we should work in a Professional Zone and a Learning Zone. Most people allocate a lot of time and resources to the Professional Zone because they believe this will make them the most money. The Professional Zone is where we spend a lot of our time doing the job, that is, servicing clients or running the business. It should not be a time to learn and master new skills as significant risks are involved.

Any activities that involve improving our work by learning new skills and information should be done in a Learning Zone. Just like Luke Skywalker, it’s essential to have the time to learn and practice new skills without distractions and risks under the guidance of a trainer or leader who can coach, mentor and develop skills.

The benefits of implementing a Learning Zone include the following:

Increase in job satisfaction when an employee feels valued
Increase in staff morale which has a flow effect on customers
Improvement in business results
Ability to service clients better
Practice new skills in a risk-free situation that won’t impact clients and results

A Learning Zone needs to be a planned event without impacting the customer. Schedule reoccurring Learning Zone sessions every week, fortnight or monthly – whatever you feel you and your team would benefit from. Once this is in place, lock it in and plan the activities. From my experience, people often cancel or defer training and development when things come up. They somehow never try to schedule again. This is why making the mental shift is necessary, and truly believing that learning and development are vital in business.

Learning Zone activities can include:

Product Training
Soft skill training
One on one
Coaching sessions
Leadership training

Moreover, the learning zone is when you and your team can grow through learning. Also, it’s where you make mistakes, learn from mistakes, set goals and put things in place to achieve them. You’ll start experiencing the benefits and their connection to your business’s success quickly.

Dream Big. Be Curious. Follow Your Bliss. You’ve got this!

Reena

Here are some tips to help you learn like a Jedi:

Set clear goals: Determine what you want to learn and why. Set specific, measurable goals to help you stay motivated and on track.
Create a plan: Once you have your goals in place, create a plan to achieve them. Break down your learning into manageable chunks and create a schedule to help you stay organised.
Embrace failure: Like a Jedi, you must be willing to fail and learn from your mistakes. Don’t let setbacks discourage you; use them as opportunities to grow and improve.
Practice regularly: Learning is not a one-time event; it requires consistent practice and application. Set aside time each day to practice what you’ve learned.
Seek out mentors: Find people who can guide and mentor you on your learning journey. Look for people who have experience and expertise in your field.
Stay curious: Never stop asking questions and seeking new knowledge. The Jedi way is one of constant curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Share your knowledge: One of the best ways to solidify your own understanding is to teach others what you’ve learned. Share your knowledge with others and be open to feedback.