The Theory That You Can't Get Smarter Not Because of Lack of Effort, But Because of Biased Learning Methods

I have to learn, I have to grow.
But in reality, I'm too busy to get around to it.
I'm here to deliver information that will surely be useful to you!

Hello, I'm Lazy Pelican.
I'm a laid-back pelican who loves finding ways to learn that make life easier and more enjoyable.

In the past, when I thought of learning, I could only think of "reading books" or "watching videos."
When I was a student, I would read and watch videos frantically, stuffing my head with knowledge—and I felt like I had learned something just by doing that.

However, after I started working, I was taught this in a lecture at Globis Management School:
"Learning isn't just about learning from content; there's also the form of learning from people."
It was an eye-opener.

Furthermore, recently, a new way of learning called Generative AI has appeared.
If you ask it a question, it organizes and explains it in an instant.
I was excited. I thought, "I can't believe there's a world where I can learn this quickly!"

Sotoday, I'm going to talk about the "four forms of learning" that I've realized.I'll talk about it.

Learning from content (books, articles, videos)

When you think of learning, this is the first thing that comes to mind.
But the important thing here is to let go of perfectionism.

If you try to read everything and understand everything, you'll get tired and won't be able to keep it up.
The Lazy way to learn is to take it easy and think, "It's okay if I just pick up one thing."

For example, I listen to YouTube in the background, and if I can find just one phrase that I think, "Oh, that's interesting!", I'm satisfied enough.
Thatphrase, if I can write it down in a memo, that's even better!
You can make plenty of progress with small bits of learning.

Learning from people (conversations, advice)

Next is conversations and advice from people.
In the past, I completely overlooked this.

But recently, I've started asking questions to my seniors at work and listening to their thought processes.
Then, I realized more and more that "people think differently than I do," and my learning expanded all at once.

The Lazy point here is also not to try to absorb everything.
If you think, "If I can pick up one useful hint, I've won," the hurdle for conversation drops significantly.

Learning from Generative AI (ChatGPT, etc.)

Now, AI is a powerful partner in learning.

I often ask ChatGPT, "Explain this simply" or "Tell me more in detail."
Don't worry about it by yourself, just leave it to the AI.This is also a valid form of learning.
It's okay if your question is vague! Through dialogue, the question will become more concrete.

Using AI as an organizer and explainer will increase your speed of thinking all at once.
It's perfect for a lazy person like me.

Learning from experience (practice, failure, trial and error)

Finally, it's about actually doing it.

Is failure embarrassing?
No, no, that's the best shortcut.

In the Lazy style, the iron rule is to repeat "try small -> notice -> apply to the next step".
I also try to take a positive approach, even if I'm writing articles or trying out AI and things don't go well, by saying, "Okay, I learned from this."

Summary

Learning isn't just about working hard.
You can just pick it up easily, enjoyably, and in a way that suits you.

If you have any recommended Lazy learning methods, please let me know in the comments!
I'm waiting with my beak wide open for the wisdom of my peers.

Likes and follows are also a great encouragement.
Next time, I'll deliver more wisdom on how to get smarter without the effort.

In this article, I explain how to think while reducing the load on your brain. Please take a look if you'd like.