New Year’s Resolutions
As a new year begins, often we set ourselves resolutions for what we want to accomplish – or how we are going to change our habits. I was listening to the radio last week and, apparently, New Year’s Resolutions most often last until the end of the second week of January.
Perhaps, though, we can make this year a different experience?
Have you decided to acquire a new skill or subject but now feel overwhelmed by how much time or energy it will take? What if spending 5 to 10 minutes each day (or a Pomodoro Session!) could make a difference? You’d be surprised, but it has been proven that short sessions of learning, done every day, can be very successful over time.
Why is that?
1. Spaced Repetition
If we take smaller “chunks” of information and review them, this is called spaced repetition. The neural pathways developed allow us to recall the information more easily.
2. Consistency is More Important than Intensity
Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare … well, it works the same way with learning. “Cramming” for a test isn’t as effective as consistency and repetition for creating deeper understanding.
3. It is Normal to Forget
Hermann Ebbinghaus was the psychologist that found the “Forgetting Curve” which is the rate at which we forget things that we learn — which is almost 50% of what we learn each day! Consistent, spaced repetition of information in small “chucks” means that you can be far more effective at learning!
4. Think Small
Take a few minutes at a time — focus and concentrate — perhaps a Pomodoro Session?? In fact, this approach gives you the opportunity to train your brain to resist distractions in other areas of your life.
5. Celebrate the Wins!
Take the time to track your progress and look back over the longer period … you’ll be very surprised how a little effort each day can make it possible for you to achieve the “big wins!”
Why not share your plans and your successes with others … let’s support each other in sticking to our New Year’s Resolutions!