The Best Way to Learn Something

---

You may have heard the phrase, "Those that can't do, teach."

I don't agree with that statement, except for one caveat - If the person teaching hasn't taken the time to really go through the hard work and sacrifice to truly learn what they are teaching, then yes, I agree.  It is not that they "can't do."  They just aren't willing to.  A subtle, but large difference.

One of the best ways to learn anything is to teach it to others.  If you have integrity and want to help others, doing this will force to learn and put things into practice so you can prove that what you are teaching is correct and works.

It also helps you to learn where the issues may come up or where potential "rookie" mistakes are made so that you can help others avoid them.  

I believe the best way to learn anything is by doing, but I also believe the best people to learn from and get taught by are those that have gone out and done it before. 
​
Here are some tips on how start this habit in your life.

1. Put Yourself Out There:  You have to step on the field to play.  Look for opportunities where you can volunteer or sign up to teach a subject you want to learn and commit to them.
2. Put it Into Practice:  Once you sign on to teach something, you've got to put it into practice.  Remember, you don't have to know everything about a subject, but you do need to know the most important and relevant things about one.  Review the topic and use the 80/20 rule.  Once you understand it, ask yourself, "What are the most important things to know and do about this topic that will give me 80% of the results or knowledge I am looking for."  Focus on those and start learning and putting them into practice.
3. Embrace the Mistakes and Failures:  Be super willing to fail and make mistakes as you learn your new topic or skill.  You will learn the most from overcoming these challenges - and as a little secret, those you are teaching will too.  Everyone likes to hear stories and know, that while they may be hearing from an expert or someone well-versed on a topic, that person was once a beginner and went through the learning process as well.  It helps to give them the confidence to move forward in learning the subject.
4. Be Open and Honest:  There is no need to hide the fact that you recently learned something or that you volunteered to teach it so you could learn it better.  People respect the truth and it is refreshing to have someone be honest with you (I know you appreciate when they are).  Don't be afraid to tell them what you know and don't know, and what you are still learning.  Do tell them the most  important things you've learned and how they can put them into practice.
5. Have Fun!  The whole point of learning something and teaching it to others is to enjoy the process and be able to give the gift of knowledge to others.  Seek the joy in helping others to succeed - and learning something for yourself at the same time.  

So, let's go back to where we started and re-phrase the statement to this: "Those that go out and do, are the best to teach."  Now go put yourself out there, learn something new and put it into practice, and then teach others to do the same!

​