When Learning Is Too Hard

Have you ever considered how many people want to learn something new but drop out because it feels too hard? What do you do when learning is too hard?

The data indicates that as recently as 2013 more than 2.4 million guitars were sold in the United States. How many new guitar players are still using their instrument one year later? Did they ever learn?

What about a foreign language, how many copies of Rosetta Stone are sold annually? How many people want to learn a discipline of dance, how to cook, or the best ways to exercise?

How many people give up?

We can make many arguments for the cause of giving up. We can blame a lack of desire, a lack of interest, or even a lack of money (or resources) to continue the pursuit. These are all potentially valid reasons, but do some people give up because they find learning too hard? Do they feel intimidated?

Learning Is Too Hard

While it might be an excellent research study here are a few things I’ve discovered that are very important about adult learning.

• Small steps, big results. Take small steps and continue to build. Stretch goals are great but it is important to balance the feeling of success and accomplishment with the harsh aspects of a relentless push. Big steps might be too volatile and the resulting failure discouraging.
• Actualize the vision. Anyone who is serious enough to make the investment in money and effort might still need to see and feel the progress they are making. Goals are critically important. No goal, no accomplishment, keep the vision alive and move towards it.
• Reinforcement. Continue to use all of the foundational skills to build more. Don’t allow space for knowledge relapse. A nice report card is valuable, but use it or lose it still applies.

It seems to me that there are many factors connected with desire and motivation, but getting discouraged might signal the beginning of the end.

Make It Easier

Most people discover that their talents emerge from things they enjoy. They lose interest when the price of effort exceeds the value of the reward.

Make the learning simple enough and people will have more fun.

They might learn to play the guitar, dance, and cook something great!

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

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