The Art Of Mental Agility: 15 Traits Of People Who Are Naturally Fast Learners
Some people seem to pick things up almost instantly.
Sed Creatives | Unsplash Gone are the days when people seeking a job interview would list soft skills like team player, good listener, and the ability to learn new skills on their resumes. Now, people expect you to be all of those things, preferring to see more tangible qualities.
But just because someone can learn skills quickly, it doesn't mean they aren't important in everyday life. There are, however, several personality traits that tell you if fast learning is your forte.
Here are 15 traits of people who are naturally fast learners:
1. They're okay with not knowing
There are some people who like to give the impression that they know it all. But the quickest learners in the world aren't afraid to say they don't know.
So, even when you do have some knowledge of a subject, you realize there's always more to learn. That means you ask questions and are genuinely interested in learning more about all the different topics.
2. They're committed to a lifetime of learning
Arthur Bargan / Shutterstock
Real learners know that the more knowledge they acquire, the more there is to be discovered. Because you're a quick learner, you're a student of life, an active listener, and are intent on soaking up as much information as you can to put your best foot forward.
Those with a growth mindset know that growth never stops and is always ongoing, argues life coach Kristine Carlson. She emphasizes that when you have a growth mindset, you understand that you must always be prepared and persistent, and that nothing will fall into your lap; you have to go for it and make it happen yourself.
3. They visualize first
The quickest learners in the world see what they want in their mind's eye before they manifest it. This certainly applies to you if this applies to your personality. You use your mental capabilities to come up with solutions and to learn before acting. Visualizing always comes before action.
4. They put what they've learned into action
You're excellent at implementing something you've learned right away because you learn quickly. Rather than nesting the knowledge you've learned, you're quick to show everyone what you've gained.
You know that most learning happens through action and muscle memory, so you aren't afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Richard Drobnick, a licensed clinical social worker, explained that "like any skill, being in love can be honed with practice." This same principle applies to all learning: you know that most learning happens through action and muscle memory, so you aren't afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
5. They live in the present
Because true students of life know that there's always learning to be done, they are present in every moment. You don't dwell on the past because of what you know now. Instead, you enjoy life to the fullest and remain engaged when learning something new.
6. They value hard work
Learning new and complex things isn't for the faint of heart, but because you absorb knowledge so quickly, you grasp the reality. You understand that hard work and dedication are both requirements, and you truly know how to rise to the occasion. Without hard work, you simply wouldn't be as informed as you are.
Skill development and mastery fundamentally require consistent effort and practice, notes clinical social worker Lyssa deHart. Fast learners understand that their ability to absorb information quickly doesn't come from a fixed gift but from their willingness to invest the hard work and dedication required to truly master what they learn.
7. They do more and think less
At one point or another, everyone has suffered from "analysis paralysis," where you overthink a problem while failing to take decisive action. But that just isn't you. You're a quick learner and, as such, like to get your hands dirty by using what you have learned and "failing forward."
8. They know when to give up
Some questions just don't have an answer. That's just part of life. Instead of pushing yourself way beyond your limits, you will dig in looking for solutions, but know when you're at the end of the road and when it's time to table your inquiry. People who learn quickly don't like to waste time on fruitless endeavors, after all.
Licensed psychotherapist Dr. Zoe Shaw notes that the ability to recognize when to stop pursuing something is just as valuable as the drive to persist. Shaw explained that while perseverance is essential for success, it "only works efficiently if you also know when to give up and let something in your life that's no longer serving you go."
9. They use errors to their advantage
Quick learners hate to make mistakes, but you know that they might be unavoidable, especially if you don't know too much about the subject or skill. You analyze your errors and find out what you could have done differently or avoided to have a better outcome. You rarely make the same mistakes twice.
10. They simplify problems
Quick learners know that the best way to "eat an elephant" is one bite at a time. So, because you have this personality, you break complicated topics down into digestible bites to come up with simpler ways of doing things. Ideally, you would like to make this so understandable that a child can comprehend!
A cognitive strategy known as "chunking" helps learners overcome working memory limits by grouping information into meaningful units, allowing you to present more content without overwhelming the learner.
11. They're selective
My Ocean Production / Shutterstock
You know that everything isn't worth your time, and you pick and choose where to spend that time. You choose to learn things that you find value in, things that are worthy of your energy. Picking and choosing what to learn makes your process easy and efficient.
12. They look ahead
If you learn quickly, you know that there are always new developments in how things are done. Change is a constant, and you remain well aware of that. You're agile and able to adjust your mindset to get rid of old information, updating your internal database with the latest adaptations.
According to life coach Roland Legge, we either adapt to the changing world or risk facing disappointment, anger, and frustration. As Legge explains, the ability to transition smoothly through life's changes requires discerning your strengths, understanding your growing edges, and maintaining a mindset open to evolution.
13. They're positive
Quick learning requires a "can-do" attitude and the confidence that you will achieve positive results. You understand that what you put into the universe will come back to you, and act accordingly. If your attitude is negative toward learning, you can guarantee that doubt will manifest, and you will be faced with challenges.
14. They lean on people who know more than them
Learning is an act of humility. You must first admit you don't know everything, then seek the input of someone more well-versed than you are. You have no problem leaning on an expert to provide you with the best tutelage possible. If anything, you're proud to do so.
High-IQ individuals with humble mindsets are naturally open to learning from others, culling wisdom from mentors, friends, and family members, and applying it to their own journey, argues exhaustion coach Anna Katharina Schaffner, Ph.D.
15. They're not looking for perfection
Fast learners know that nobody is perfect, and that perfectionism is actually impossible to attain. Instead of striving to be everything, you just want to be better today than you were yesterday. Steady, measurable progress is just as important as perfecting anything you set your mind to.
NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and the author of seven books. She focuses on lifestyle and human interest stories that deliver informative and actionable guidance on interpersonal relationships, enlightenment, and self-discovery.
