Google’s ’20% rule’ shows exactly how much time you should spend learning new skills, and why it works

www.cnbc.com/2021/12/16/google-20-percent-rule-shows-exactly-how-much-time-you-should-spend-learning-new-skills.html

“We encourage our employees, in addition to their regular projects, to spend 20% of their time working on what they think will most benefit Google,”

• Identify Specific Skills: Clearly define the skill you want to learn. Focusing on one specific area rather than spreading yourself thin across multiple subjects helps in achieving faster and more noticeable improvement.
• Seek Value in Every Effort: Even if a project doesn’t lead to immediate success, look for the minimum benefits such as learning new techniques, gaining exposure to different fields, or networking. This ensures your time is never wasted.
• Stay Flexible and Committed: Be disciplined in protecting your learning time, but also flexible enough to adjust when urgent tasks arise. The key is consistency, not a rigid schedule.
• Make it Enjoyable: Incorporate fun elements into your learning process. This could be through interactive methods like working with friends, enjoying relevant media, or engaging in creative projects.
• Think Long-Term: View your learning as a long-term investment. Small, consistent efforts compound over time, leading to significant improvements and opportunities in the future.