How To Maximise Your Learning (Day 10)

We don’t learn best when we’re inspired — we learn best when we need to.

Inspiration is a great starting point, but it’s unreliable. Sometimes I get hit with a wave of curiosity and want to learn everything about writing, AI, or the roots of philosophy. I’ll watch videos, save articles, maybe even take a few notes. But then? It fizzles.

The information stays interesting, but it doesn’t stick. I don’t apply it. I don’t remember most of it. And nothing really changes.

Curiosity Isn’t the Problem — Direction Is

I’ve always been someone whose brain sparks on random ideas. One week it’s writing structures, the next it’s AI tools, and then I’m suddenly fascinated by the rise and fall of empires after a trip to Rome.

These sparks are fun. But without a direction, they scatter.

We’re living in the age of curiosity clutter — where we save, collect, and plan to learn more “when we have time.” I’ve had topics like evolutionary psychology, logic, and ancient philosophy sitting on my “to-learn” list for months.

The truth is, most of us don’t suffer from lack of curiosity. We suffer from lack of purpose behind it.

Real Learning Begins with a Real Problem

I’ve found that when I actually learn something deeply, it’s because I need to.

• I want to write about a topic → now I’m reading, researching, applying.

• I want to streamline my workflow → suddenly I care about what AI tools can do.

• I want to help a coaching client → I dive into new frameworks and methods.

That’s when learning becomes alive.

Now I’m in the arena, using what I’m learning to solve real-world challenges.

AI, Figma, and Frustration

Just recently, I wanted to generate an image for one of my blogs using AI. I had a reference image, clear instructions, and I thought it would be a quick task.

It wasn’t.

The AI kept giving me versions that looked nothing like what I asked for. After several failed attempts, I asked the AI why it wasn’t working. That’s when I learned: it couldn’t interpret the reference image in the way I expected. I’d have to provide it differently.

I ended up creating the graphic myself in Figma. I learned how to use the tool, designed the image, and actually enjoyed the process.

Now I know:

• What types of images AI can help with

• How to instruct it more clearly

• When to use manual tools like Figma instead

That learning stuck — because it mattered in the moment.

Give Your Mind a Target

Without a problem to solve, learning stays shallow. You might feel busy, but you’re not engaged.

Yet when you’ve got a specific goal — a project, a person to help, a challenge to overcome — your brain kicks into gear. You start asking better questions:

• “What do I actually need to understand here?”

• “How do I apply this to my situation?”

• “What’s missing in my current approach?”

That’s the difference between passive consumption and active engagement.

For me, I rarely care about a topic until I know it will help someone else — whether that’s through a blog, a YouTube video, or a coaching session. The moment I realise this learning could make someone’s life better, I’m all in.

If You Want to Learn More — Solve Something

The best learning doesn’t come from planning, saving, or watching another video.

It comes from doing something that requires you to learn.

So if there’s something you’ve been meaning to learn, don’t wait for the perfect moment or another wave of curiosity.

Pick a goal. Start a project. Solve a real problem.

Your brain will do the rest.

Adam