How to Keep Learning When You Feel Fried

#ShoryuWill Newsletter #11 By William Zhang

Click below to Listen to this Newsletter Edition ??

What This Edition Will Cover:

• Your true learning capacity
• How to make a start to learn
• Why formal programs can make you procrastinate
• Any tech and tools that may help
• 3 book recommendations to accelerate your success
• 1-2-3 Punch to get you to the next level of success

Have you ever felt completely burnt out but still knew you had to keep up with everything changing in your industry? It’s like trying to run a marathon on the last bit of fuel in your tank. We all know that learning is crucial, but when you’re exhausted, making progress feels impossible.

The Common Problem and Why It is Important:

Falling behind in a rapidly changing world is one of the most significant threats to SMB owners and entrepreneurs today. Here’s why it matters:

• Decreased Motivation and Stagnation: Once you stop learning, you stop innovating. This leads to stagnation, which can set you back when the industry shifts.
• Missed Opportunities for Innovation: If you’re not learning, you miss out on cutting-edge tools, strategies, and systems that can make your work easier and more effective.
• Increased Burnout and Overload: Ironically, the less we learn, the more overwhelmed we feel because we’re trying to cope with outdated tools and processes.
• Difficulty Making Decisions: Without up-to-date knowledge, decision-making becomes more stressful, and opportunities slip through the cracks.

Proof of Concept:

Elon Musk has repeatedly shown how vital constant learning is, even in industries that seem static. Take SpaceX—when the company struggled with their early rockets failing, Musk didn't just hire the best engineers. He read textbooks on rocket propulsion and learned from the failures, pushing his team to new heights. They’re now leading in space exploration, thanks to relentless learning and adapting.

Similarly, Alex Hormozi often talks about how mastering marketing strategies and business systems has allowed him to build multimillion-dollar businesses. His commitment to learning, even when stretched thin, is what gave him the edge in scaling his companies. He constantly emphasizes that learning under pressure is where the breakthroughs happen.

Where We Went Wrong:

We’ve all been there—feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of knowledge we’re expected to absorb. Often, there’s a lack of urgency to learn until it’s too late. We fall into fixed mindsets, doubting our ability to grow, and without a clear path, we stay stagnant. Plus, when there’s no support system in place, learning feels like an uphill battle we’re climbing alone.

Why the Problem Was Challenging to Resolve:

The major blockers are often time, cost, and strategy. It’s hard to carve out time for learning when you’re already juggling a packed schedule. Costs of formal education or certifications can add up, and without a well-defined strategy, it feels like you’re spinning your wheels. On top of that, the human factor—our inherent resistance to change—makes this challenge feel almost insurmountable.

The New Thing That Makes It Solvable at Low Cost but High Returns:

Here’s the good news: solving this problem is easier than ever before.

• Increased Access to Learning Resources: From YouTube tutorials to online courses like Coursera or Udemy, there are countless resources at little to no cost.
• AI and Automation Tools: Tools like ChatGPT, and Patrick AI can help summarize dense learning materials, answer questions quickly, and even suggest personalized learning paths.
• Greater Awareness and Motivation: More businesses recognize the importance of lifelong learning, which creates a more supportive environment to pursue growth.
• Flexible Work and Learning Environments: Remote work has opened up time for micro-learning throughout the day. You can learn in bursts rather than dedicating large blocks of time.
• Improved Learning Technologies: With the rise of apps like MasterClass and Audible, learning can happen anytime—during your commute, while cooking, or even before bed.

What Knowledge, Experience, and Network You’re Missing (and How to Fulfill It)

To unlock your full potential, you need to focus on three essential elements: Knowledge of Cutting-Edge Tools, Experience in Adaptability and Growth Mindset, and A Network of Like-Minded Learners. Here’s how you can approach and fulfill each, step by step:

1. Knowledge of Cutting-Edge Tools

In a fast-evolving world, keeping up with new technologies like AI, automation platforms, and machine learning can provide a substantial advantage for your business. The first step is to identify which tools are most relevant. Begin by researching AI and automation tools that align with your specific industry needs, such as using ChatGPT for content creation, Zapier for automating workflows, or HubSpot for sales automation. Once you've narrowed down your options to a shortlist of three to five tools, commit to learning them deeply.

Dedicate 30 to 60 minutes each day to researching and experimenting with these tools. Use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to find structured courses that help you get comfortable using them. Then, apply what you’ve learned by taking advantage of free trials or freemium models to practice in real-time. Test how these tools can fit into your business operations by creating sandbox environments or sample projects where you can experiment without risking real business operations.

Join online communities or forums—such as Reddit, Stack Overflow, or LinkedIn groups—where these tools are actively discussed. Attending live webinars hosted by tool developers or industry experts can also offer deeper insights and help you network with others who are adopting similar tools. Consistently stay up to date by subscribing to tech newsletters like TechCrunch or AI Weekly, and reassess your tool usage every three months to ensure you’re staying ahead of new developments.

2. Experience in Adaptability and Growth Mindset

A key trait of successful entrepreneurs is the ability to adapt and embrace growth, even in the face of challenges. Begin by reflecting on areas where you've avoided change or felt uncomfortable—this could be anything from financial management to customer relations. Acknowledge these areas and set achievable learning goals.

Start small. Pick one area to focus on and commit to learning something new about it each week, whether it's through reading an article, watching a video, or taking a short online course. As you learn, apply what you've picked up directly to your business. Test out strategies, reflect on the results, and adjust your approach as needed. The goal is to create a learning cycle: learn, apply, reflect, and adapt.

Actively seek feedback from your team, mentors, or peers. Feedback should be viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. By fostering a mindset that welcomes change, you'll become more flexible and ready to tackle new challenges. Regularly revisit your goals and strategies, adjusting them as you grow in knowledge and adaptability.

3. A Network of Like-Minded Learners

Your network plays a critical role in shaping your growth. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to keep learning will push you forward. Begin by identifying the right communities to join. Trade Groups and Chamber of Commerce are great places to start meet others who are also focused on learning and growth. Industry-specific groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Reddit can also be valuable for expanding your network.

Next, prioritise attending networking events such as local meetups, summits, or conferences. These events provide opportunities to connect with people who can offer new perspectives or help you grow in areas where you need to improve. Aim to attend one or two events per quarter with clear goals in mind—whether that’s finding a mentor or learning about a new area of business.

If you can’t find a group that suits your needs, consider creating a mastermind group with three to five entrepreneurs who share similar learning goals. Establish a regular meeting schedule, such as a bi-weekly or monthly call, where you can discuss progress, share insights, and hold each other accountable for ongoing learning. Relationships within these groups can lead to significant breakthroughs in your business journey.

Be proactive in engaging with your network. Follow up after events, offer to collaborate on small projects, and be generous in sharing knowledge. These small actions help build trust and position you as a valuable member of your community.

Final Words:

The difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive in business is often the willingness to keep learning, even when it feels impossible. It’s about finding the time, seizing the tools available, and staying connected with people who can elevate your game. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now, and keep going, one step at a time.

3 Book Recommendations:

1. "Mastery" by Robert Greene – Greene's book explores the process of achieving mastery in any field, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, perseverance, and a long-term vision for success.
2. "Mindset" by Carol Dweck – For shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset.
3. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink – This book dives into the psychology behind motivation, explaining how autonomy, mastery, and purpose are key drivers for maintaining long-term learning and growth.

1-2-3 Punch:

1 Quote:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

2 Questions:

What’s one skill you’ve been putting off learning that could transform your business?

Who in your network can hold you accountable for making learning a priority?

3 Actions:

Block out 30 minutes each day to learn something new.

Join an online course or webinar related to your industry this week.

Set a learning goal for the next 30 days and share it with a colleague or mentor.

Reminder to Subscribe:

Enjoyed this edition of #ShoryuWill? Don’t miss out on the next one! Subscribe now to stay updated with fresh insights on business growth, leadership, and AI. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest strategies that work.

Your friend,

William Zhang