Deconstruct the Skill
When we try to learn a new skill, we often get overwhelmed by the amount of information necessary to become skillful in whatever we're trying to learn. Most importantly, we try to learn everything right from the get-go when we haven't even learned the fundamentals of the skill. There is so much we don't know that we just end up jumping around different topics that usually end up being a waste of time, and we haven't learned anything. Instead, we want to focus on one or two things at a time where it will lay a foundation for us and give us a place to start learning more advanced topics. For example, if you want to learn how to play guitar, it is not good to begin on bends, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and all these other advanced guitar playing techniques. Instead, try focusing on something that you can reach for more naturally, like learning the basic chords or learning how to play a favorite song you like. It seems like a lot, but actually, you're not doing that much work, since most of the primary material you need to know can be covered quickly.
Staying Focused
It is important to focus all of your attention on what you are currently working on. Nowadays, "staying focused" seems like an easy thing to do. Still, with all the different devices we have on hand, it's challenging to stay focused on the task at hand. Nonetheless, you can always find times to practice learning your skills, whether it be finding a silent space or somewhere you can really focus without any distractions. Many people would try to practice for an extended period of time and think that it was a good practice session. In actuality, practicing for an extended period of time is actually worsening your memorization skills. An excellent technique is to practice for 25 minutes, then follow up with a 5-minute break. You can stay focused during those 25 minutes and have a rest of 5 minutes. Our brain absorbs more information when we are focused.
Just Do It
There have been many studies that show that humans retain more information. At the same time, we do the things we learned rather than merely seeing or listening. Putting to practice what we learned from anywhere is an excellent exercise to maintain that information in our head. The best way for us to memorize things better is to get our hands dirty and make mistakes. Try to find the time to put what you learned into action since it will stick with you later on in the future.
Be Persistent
Many of us who try to learn a new skill usually give up after a short period of time. We try to stick with a plan but eventually give up somewhere before we can continue even longer. This is caused mainly due to lack of time, lack of money, and getting intimidated by what's to come. We're not serious about the skill, or we simply lose interest, and then we quit. This is called "the dip" in the learning cycle, where we suddenly lose interest, and we start to get away from our learning habits. But keep in mind that this "dip" is only temporary, so try your best to stay on your learning habits so that you don't fall on that dip.
Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in our everyday lives. When we don't get enough sleep, our brain doesn't have the capacity to learn new things. We don't give our brain the necessary energy and rest it needs for a hard day's work. Getting a good night's rest will significantly improve your chances of learning things more efficiently and perform better when we put our skills into action. You will also learn faster, retain what you learned a lot better, and make fewer mistakes overall.