Make bigger bets on learning

Now it's time to go big. Your curiosity catalog should have at least a few things you want to learn that are bigger goals, targets that require a good amount of preparation, effort, and time. It might be learning a new language or training for a new job or getting a certificate or a degree. Because there are inevitably multiple steps in that journey, we often call that process a learning path. But like following any path, it often helps to be clear on your destination. I call that goal a North Star or a Southern Cross, like a bright point in the distance that serves as your compass for learning. Ancient sailors didn't have a GPS or satellite internet access to help guide them. They determined where they wanted to go then had to figure out how to navigate in that general direction, guided by the stars overhead. That's what your own North Star or Southern Cross for a big learning bet should be, a general direction for your learning goal that pulls you forward. So download the Aristotle Canvas for Learning. It asks six basic questions about that learning journey. Answer them and see if it sparks thinking about what gives you that big motivation to learn something. Then go back to your curiosity catalog list. Are there any subjects that might become a big learning bet for you? Is there any big learning goal you've had at the back of your mind for some time but kept telling yourself you didn't have the time or the resources to do it? Of course, the bigger the learning bet, the more you may need to determine the most optimal timing. If your learning goal includes an immersive learning experience that would require time off work or a significant amount of what would otherwise be your leisure time outside of work, then timing matters a lot. You may also have to coordinate with others in your work and in your life. Having the support of your boss and your team members is critical, especially if you'll need to adjust your work schedule to accommodate the rhythms of your learning process. And obviously, if you have a family, you'll want to help them understand what you want to accomplish and have their support. And consider whether you might want to use an AI tool for support and coaching along the way. Some people like these tools because they're tireless, never judgmental, and they can make suggestions and offer reminders along the way. You can also use AI tools to personalize your learning path for your big bet. Let's say you're short on time most weeks. You can describe to your favorite chat tool how you spend your time in a typical week and then tell it your learning goal. Ask the tool, what kinds of strategies can I use to keep moving toward my learning goal? And make sure you have one or two humans in the loop, a coach or advisor who can help you assess whether the coaching tool is giving good suggestions. Finally, as part of your research, talk to others who've achieved your learning goals and ask them what has the result been for them. Was it what they expected? Were there any trade-offs? Were there any advantages they hadn't even anticipated? If there's a chance that making a big learning bet can help you to set a new career direction or develop new expertise or perspective, then maybe now is the time to go follow that star.