You're overwhelmed with work tasks. How do you make time for learning opportunities?

Choose to understand wisely that not all tasks are created equal, so identify what's urgent and important. This will free up pockets of time that you can dedicate to learning!

Leverage Energy Management, Not Just Time Management Energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, impacting productivity and focus. How to do it: Align learning tasks with your peak energy periods. For example, if you’re most alert in the morning, tackle complex work first and reserve lighter tasks or learning for when energy dips. This strategy optimizes both task execution and learning efficiency.

Integrate Microlearning Techniques Microlearning fits easily into tight schedules and enhances retention. Break down learning goals into bite-sized sessions. Focus on one concept at a time—5-10 minutes daily can lead to long-term gains. Example: Use a microlearning platform or subscribe to daily learning prompts relevant to your field. Consistent progress without overwhelming your schedule.

Practice Contextual Learning Applying knowledge directly to your work context deepens understanding and relevance. How to do it: Use idle moments to explore how new insights connect to your current projects. Listen to case studies or engage in quick thought exercises that link learning to real scenarios. Example: While commuting, listen to an industry podcast that discusses strategies you can apply that day. Maximizes learning efficiency while directly enhancing your work performance.

Learning is often the thing that drops to the bottom of our priority list, and it’s because we get so caught up in the doing day to day tasks that we don’t think about the learning that we’re experiencing whilst doing those tasks. I don’t think that learning needs to be a lengthy process, it can be simply spending 10 minutes to reflect at the end of the day on what we have learned that day.