In today's world where things are evolving and transforming, it is very important that one cultivates the habit of continuous learning. Each day we learn new things, unlearn and grow. Last month I just realized how challenging learning can be when I started a training course on digital drawing. Initially, I was full of energy and motivation, excited about acquiring a new skill, I thought it was going to be an easy task for me not knowing that good things don't come easily. In just a space of two weeks I'm already tired and lack the motivation to continue, struggling to get up each day to attend classes. This experience made me understand the critical role discipline plays in learning and personal growth. I had to sit back and think of a strategy that will keep me motivated and active to learn.
The first thing I did was to set personal goals for myself, since I now understand better that motivation and excitement alone can't take me far in my learning journey. So I had to set clear goals to keep myself on track. My primary goal is to see myself completing the course and become proficient in digital drawing within three months. Breaking this long-term goal into smaller, manageable tasks helped me stay focused and motivated so far. This is two weeks since I started and I must say that goal setting has really helped me maintain focus.
The Step I Took:
Wrote down my goal to complete the digital drawing course in three months based on my scheme of work. I have three per week, but each day I set aside two hours each morning for digital drawing practice. I make sure I do practice using videos from YouTube to make sure I'm making tangible progress and growth. I broke down my personal work into daily tasks and in the evening I will do a review on them to see my progress and to make sure I stay focused. I'm hoping to finish my this journey and come out as a better digital drawing artist.
Growing up I came to see some of my aunty who went to learn a skill but didn't complete it, then I use to think they are very lazy and they don't think about their future, but now I realize that so many times we do things out of excitement and motivation we got from friends and family, but along the way we get to discover that those things fade away and we are left to either discipline ourselves to learn or give up. Learning is not a sweet experience one has to be determined to face whatever challenges that may come. One of the simplest forms of the challenges is lack of motivation, and passion. Anyone who wants to learn must set clear goals, create a learning schedule, minimize many forms of distractions, and stay organized. I was able to cultivate these habits and it has helped me enhance my learning experience keeping me motivated and focused.