One of my Gallup signature talents is learning and gathering, which perfectly aligns with my past career as a journalist where I had to collect large amounts of information daily, stay on top of new trends and current events. After learning about AI applications this year, there's even more information to keep up with! Many followers have messaged me asking how to learn new things across different fields, quickly get up to speed, and apply them. Here I'm sharing learning methods I've compiled from my past experience.
- Gather information extensively through reading and conversations
After entering the workforce, I've been reading at a very high frequency and volume. By reading, I don't just mean books—websites, articles, and exhibitions all count as reading. At the same time, having conversations with people from different fields helps me acquire diverse information. All of this gathering is meant to first "know" and accumulate a database of knowledge. In the future when needed, there's an opportunity to put it to use.
- Break down problems to identify unknowns
When facing unknown tools, problems, or information, the first thing I do is hypothesize and break down the problem. For example, recently I was preparing a large-scale physical exhibition. Although I'd never actually hosted one before, based on past experience, I first hypothesized "we need to invite 15 brands to set up booths," then broke it down—inviting 15 brands and booth setup, booths involve traffic flow, design, lighting and electricity, traffic flow considers length, width, height and aisles...and so on infinitely. Eventually they just become simple problems that can be solved.
- Stay curious and actively collect information
Following the previous point, I need to collect information targeted at problems to find solutions. So I stay curious and purposefully gather information. The difference between gathering information and acquiring information is that by this point I already know "why I'm doing this," so I search for solutions within a specific framework.
When learning AI tools, the scenarios I often encounter are "Is there a more interesting way to do this?" or "Are there scenarios where this can be applied?" For ChatGPT specifically, it's "Are there other ways to phrase commands?" or "How should I set the temperature parameter..." Then I follow up by connecting with Python or finding other ways to apply it.
- Actually apply and solve problems
After finding solutions, apply them in different scenarios to solve problems. For example, when sharing about AI, if I see someone share a great method like perspective photography, I directly take a photo and try using it in different aspects of life—that's how I learn a new technique.
Or when learning communication, if I used to speak too directly but learned that praising first then pointing out the problem is more effective, I actually practice it.
- Repeat use to strengthen habit memory
Atomic Habits mentions the habit line concept, which is "mastery of habits begins with repetition." After establishing a habit, how to sustain it and perfect it—deliberate practice is very important. The process from expending mental effort to acting without thinking is called automation.
The habit curve refers to how when first attempting something new, it requires substantial mental effort and focus. After repeating several times, the curve rises. Once it surpasses the habit line, the behavior becomes a habit, requiring no further thought to respond directly—it becomes muscle memory.
However, the final reminder is that the most important thing when learning something new is maintaining an open mind, willingness to try, not fearing failure and change. Everyone has the ability to become a better version of themselves through learning.
