Learning is just like any other project. Admit that it's tough and that you need a plan. Build process to accomplish that. Aim for consistency over accomplishment. Bird by bird.
One issue with learning things is that as you learn, you often discover new things to learn. It's critical to know how to file these: (1) they're true dependencies, (2) they're interesting follow-ups for later, (3) they're not relevant in the near or medium term.
File things aggressively. Try to identify as many things as you can to not read. For this you need two things: (a) a clear understanding of where you're going, based on a plan working backward from some achievable thing you want to learn and (b) safety knowing that when you file something away, you won't lose it. It's interesting, and exciting, so you should return.
Do this well and (a) and (b) reinforce one another. You can look through your "set aside" list to build out a strategy for your next achievable task and your achievable tasks can give structure to the things you've set aside.
File things aggressively. This often feels bad. You feel like you "ought" to know something or you get carried away following a thread. That's not bad! Do it sometimes, learning playfully is fun! On the other hand, you'll be more satisfied 3 months from know if you learn aggressively and directedly. You'll have worked through a greater amount of material at greater depth.
Finally, it's often hard to get started. Don't overthink it. Just set a small achieveable project, maybe give yourself a tight deadline. Once you're through that project you will, without a doubt, have a much clearer idea of what comes next.
One issue with learning things is that as you learn, you often discover new things to learn. It's critical to know how to file these: (1) they're true dependencies, (2) they're interesting follow-ups for later, (3) they're not relevant in the near or medium term.
File things aggressively. Try to identify as many things as you can to not read. For this you need two things: (a) a clear understanding of where you're going, based on a plan working backward from some achievable thing you want to learn and (b) safety knowing that when you file something away, you won't lose it. It's interesting, and exciting, so you should return.
Do this well and (a) and (b) reinforce one another. You can look through your "set aside" list to build out a strategy for your next achievable task and your achievable tasks can give structure to the things you've set aside.
File things aggressively. This often feels bad. You feel like you "ought" to know something or you get carried away following a thread. That's not bad! Do it sometimes, learning playfully is fun! On the other hand, you'll be more satisfied 3 months from know if you learn aggressively and directedly. You'll have worked through a greater amount of material at greater depth.
Finally, it's often hard to get started. Don't overthink it. Just set a small achieveable project, maybe give yourself a tight deadline. Once you're through that project you will, without a doubt, have a much clearer idea of what comes next.