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Writer's pictureMagesh Shanmugan

Daily Learning Habit: A 30-60 Minute Power Routine for IT Professionals

Updated: Jun 2, 2023

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Learning

In the fast-paced world of Information Technology (IT), continuous learning is not just an choice, it is a must. IT professionals must keep up with the changes in technology. But how can we fit learning into our already busy schedules?. if there's one thing I've realized early in my career is continuous learning is the key to staying ahead in this fast-paced field.


The answer is to make studying a regular habit. Inspired by the

  • "How to Become the leader in your field" - Earl nightingale ,

  • "One hour a day" concept by Brian Tracy

  • "Think week" by Bill Gates


Each day, I dedicate 30-60 minutes to enhancing my knowledge on current technologies. The impact of this practice on my career has been significant and transformative. i encourage my student to follow the One hours a day to read topic relevant to the course they are taking.


When students come on board for my courses, I set an important expectation right from the beginning. I ask them to reserve an hour each day exclusively for focused learning -irrespective of whether we have a live training session that day or not. This one hour, I emphasize, should be treated with the utmost sincerity and discipline. It's their time to dive deeper into the modules or chapters we've recently covered and solidify their understanding. In essence, I urge them to think of their day as having 23 hours for their personal activities and one sacred hour committed to their IT learning journey.


This is a principle I impart to all my students, as I firmly believe that their success is my success. My aim isn't just to guide them during the course, but to instil a habit of lifelong learning that stays with them long after they've moved on. In today world, Securing a job in IT field is challenging, and sustaining in that role is even tougher. The best approach is to embrace continuous learning.


“One hour per day of study in your chosen field is all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you’ll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do.” - Earl Nightingale
"One hour a day will translate into approximately one book a week. One book a week will translate into approximately fifty books over the next twelve months. All leaders are readers." - Brain Tracy

 

The Role of Daily Learning in IT


As an IT professional, you'll find that daily learning offers specific benefits. It enables you to stay updated with rapidly changing technologies and industry trends, thereby increasing your value within your organization.


Action Exercise 1 : Daily Learning Plan

  1. Set Goals: Identify your learning targets in your field. Jot down topics you want to explore.

  2. Gather Resources: For each topic, list out two main resources you'll utilize. This could be books, online tutorials, blogs, youtube etc.

  3. Create Schedule: Allocate a specific, uninterrupted time slot daily for your learning. Make it a part of your daily routine. ( My schedule is 10 - 11 Pm)

  4. Note-taking: Document key points as you learn. These notes will help reinforce your learning and serve as future reference.

  5. Apply Learning: Find ways to put your newfound knowledge into practice, like work projects, personal endeavours, or discussions with peers.

  6. Track Progress: Maintain a learning journal. After each study session, summarize what you've learned, applied, and any further questions or ideas.

Action Exercise 2 : 30-Day Challenge to Daily Learning

  1. Select a Topic: Choose one area of study in your field that you want to learn more about in the next 30 days.

  2. Research Learning Materials: Gather materials and resources about the topic. This can be in the form of books, podcasts, articles, online courses, etc.

  3. Make a Learning Schedule: Dedicate a fixed time each day for your learning. Try to keep this time uninterrupted.

  4. Document Your Learning: Take notes on the key takeaways each day. This helps solidify your learning and serves as a great reference for the future.

  5. Reflect and Review: At the end of each week, review your progress and adjust your study plan if needed. Reflect on what you've learned and how you can apply it.

 

Tools and Techniques for Effective Daily Learning


Several tools and techniques can enhance your daily learning experience:

  1. Free Online Content: Numerous websites offer free IT-related content. However, ensure that these resources are current and relevant.

  2. LinkedIn Group Messages: Participating in LinkedIn groups relevant to your field can provide a wealth of information.

  3. Reading Blogs: Blogs related to your field of interest can provide insight into the latest trends.

  4. Learning Management Systems: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer a wide range of IT-related courses.

  5. Note-taking Apps: Apps like Evernote or OneNote can help you document and organize your learning.

  6. Reminder Apps: Google Calendar and similar apps can remind you to stick to your learning schedule.

  7. Time-boxing Technique: Dedicate fixed, uninterrupted time slots for learning.

  8. Active Recall: This technique involves consciously attempting to recall information to improve retention.

 

Conclusion :

In conclusion, this guide offers valuable insights and actionable steps to cultivate a daily learning habit, especially in the ever-evolving field of IT. The main points we've covered are:

  1. Mastering the art of dedicating a specific amount of time each day, ideally 30-60 minutes, to targeted learning and personal growth.

  2. Leveraging readily available resources, including free online content, LinkedIn groups, and blogs like this, to aid your daily learning habit.

  3. Understanding the significance of consistency and commitment in daily learning, inspired by influential strategies like Brian Tracy, Bill Gates, and Earl Nightingale.

  4. Recognizing the need for continuous learning to stay abreast of rapid technological changes and maintain a competitive edge in your professional journey.

Finally, we want to encourage all professionals and aspiring IT learners. Cultivating a daily learning habit can be challenging, but the rewards it reaps - staying updated, deepening your knowledge, and priming yourself for opportunities - are immense.


We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the motivation and strategies to incorporate daily learning into your routine. Remember, as Albert Einstein once said, "Once you stop learning, you start dying." So keep learning, adapting, and growing.


Feel free to share your experiences, ask any questions, or provide feedback in the comments section below. We value your input and would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Don't forget to leave a rating as well!


If you're interested in further learning opportunities, engage with our ITLearnner's team for expert guidance and support in advancing your IT career. Thank you for reading!

Remember, the journey towards professional growth is a continuous one, so keep learning, adapting, and growing!


 

Additional Resources


 

Are you already following similar approach in your professional life?

  • Yes . I am already following something similar.

  • Inspired to start one from today


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Jul 27, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
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Guest
Jun 02, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Loved the lines we die when we stop learning . what we know is just a drop in a ocean !!

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