Want To Learn Faster? Read This.

In my experience, the two most defining behavior patterns in business (and in life) are people who execute at a high level on a regular basis and people who contemplate more than necessary (analysis paralysis).

One can have the best idea out there, the most well-laid plan but the best plans and grandest ideas aren’t worth gold if they aren't executed on.

Leaders have three fundamental responsibilities: They craft a vision, they foster alignment, and they champion execution.

In my years of direct sales, coaching, and management, there are three traits that can help someone make sure that they execute versus ponder.

#1 - Implement Quickly. The most important part of any situation or event is the day when you decide outcomes and the day after when you make your implementation plan. Outcomes are extremely important because they:

• Dictate your energy going into it
• Give you a purpose/question to answer during
• Identify some key result areas (KRA's) for improvement

Your implementation plan afterwards is equally important because it:

• Solidifies and crystalizes your key takeaways
• Helps you visualize the habits you’ll need to adopt
• Give you realistic but challenging deadlines

#2 - Accelerate Your Learning. You can do this by learning F.A.S.T., fast being an acronym that stands as:

F - (Forget) your preconceptions about what you think you know. If you're finding yourself saying "Eh, I know this" and tuning out, remember that true understanding is shown through execution.

A - (Actively) reading/listening and participating in the demos/discussions.

S - (State), feel the excitement and curiosity to learn, sit up, lean forward, be present.

T - (Teach), listen/read as though you must teach what to others; the best way to learn is to teach unto others tomorrow what you learned today.

#3 - Minimize the Integrity Gap. Do this by finding others who can keep you accountable, usually people who have similar goals and outcomes. Average of 5 rule.

In my experience, doing this can improve your learning curve immensely.

To summarize, implement quickly by identifying outcomes and making an implementation plan after the event/session. Learn fast by ditching preconceived notions, actively taking part, focusing on your state of being, and teaching others. Lastly, minimize your inevitable integrity gap by finding people who can hold you accountable with similar goals.