Advice for Those Who Believe It’s Too Difficult to Learn New Things




When someone feels a concept is too difficult to grasp, the key is to approach it with patience, persistence, and strategy. Here are five practical steps that can help:

1. Change Your Mindset

  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe that understanding is possible with effort and time. Remind yourself that every expert was once a beginner.
  • Reframe the Problem: Instead of saying, “I can’t understand this,” say, “I haven’t figured this out yet.”  Instead of saying, “I’ll never learn to identify directions,” say, “I haven’t yet figured out directions. But I will… eventually?”

2. Break It Down

  • Simplify: Break the concept into smaller, manageable parts and tackle each one step by step.
  • Find the Basics: Often, confusion arises from missing foundational knowledge. Review the basics to build a stronger understanding. To be able to find your way in your hometown, tackle the smallest tasks first – going to the store or house on your corner and returning, then going two blocks and returning; then three blocks, then four blocks and back without having to over-think the journey.
3.    Use Different Perspectives
  • Seek Alternate Explanations: Read articles, watch videos, or listen to others. A different teacher or medium might present the idea more clearly.
  • Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask someone to explain in simpler terms or use analogies. Constantly, as we drive around our hometown, I ask my husband, “Which direction are we going now?”

4. Practice Active Engagement

  • Teach Someone Else: Your first student is yourself. Explaining a concept forces you to simplify and internalize it.
  • Apply the Knowledge: Practical examples or real-life applications make abstract concepts more concrete. (I do this) If there is no one to teach, I just talk to myself aloud – not talk back, just talk to. I explain the next step to take the next turn to make; and somehow, when I audibly articulate my path, it seems to be smoother. And 

5. Take Your Time

  • Space Out Learning: Study in chunks over multiple sessions instead of cramming.
  • Take Breaks: Stepping away from a frustrating concept can give your brain time to process subconsciously.
Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day." It's going to take some time for you to develop a new perspective where spatial awareness and navigational prowess is concerned. Celebrate small victories and do not be discouraged by even huge failures. Eventually, the pendulum will swing the other way.

I want directionally challenged people to stop being ashamed of their condition (I, personally, am not), and I want the rest of the world to know that we are  intelligent, creative, resourceful, and quite accomplished in our fields of endeavor. We just have difficulties with orientation and navigation.

I'd love to hear from you, whether or not you think you're directionally challenged.

Please make a comment on my youtube page, here's the link to a video there:

https://youtu.be/d4Ucns22rgY?si=OuCUYzYthM9HKYAi

You can also visit my website:https://www.epatsygreenland.com. 

So long.


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