We all live busy lives, and sometimes, it can be hard to fit even the smallest of tasks into an already bustling day. So, it makes sense that trying to find time for learning can be tricky. It’s certainly a situation I’ve encountered many times, but here’s the thing: my desire to learn more pushed me to find a way. That’s when I discovered microlearning.
My name is Nicky, and, probably just like you, I have a to-do list as long as my arm. I’m a busy writer and editor, but I still want to read and learn at the same time. I found myself lacking any spare time to dedicate to my own self-growth, and realized I had to do something about it. I found microlearning to be the answer to my “no spare time” prayers.
Put simply, microlearning is an educational strategy that breaks down information into smaller, more manageable chunks. It makes it easier to learn new things without feeling overwhelmed, surfing the forgetting curve, or simply not having the time to fit it into a busy day. Each module focuses on a particular skill or topic, so you have the time to digest it before moving on. Sessions tend to range between a few minutes up to 15 minutes at a time and often feature things like videos, quizzes, games, articles, and short bursts of information from self-help books and complex topics.
Sounds fun, right? Discover what 6 months of my new microlearning strategy did to my life with the help of Headway’s informative and fun book summaries.
My decision to change and find more time for learning
First things first, let’s talk about what made me move toward microlearning and away from social media usage. I realized that I was relying far too much on information posted on various social media platforms, and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s not the most dependable! There is no regulation on these platforms; you can easily believe something that’s not based on any amount of truth. As a result, learning is less reliable than embarking on standard training programs.
I also found that social media was starting to distort my view of myself; far too many comparisons from short videos and posts began creeping into my life. I decided it was time to focus my attention elsewhere, namely learning content.
That’s when I found Headway, and it’s been an invaluable tool for self-improvement and knowledge ever since. In just 15 minutes, I can read or listen to summaries of best-selling books and absorb inspiring insights as I go. I’ve learned so much, and the best part? It doesn’t feel like learning at all; it’s so much fun!
My month-by-month transformation toward greater knowledge
The benefits of microlearning are extensive, but I certainly found it tricky to reduce my social media time at first. I’m so used to my mobile devices that it was almost like fighting nature to swap Instagram, Facebook, and X for infographics and digestible information. However, I found that by focusing on small actions, I got there in the end.
I want to share my six-month journey with you, to hopefully inspire you to do the same and focus your attention toward learning activities you really enjoy.
Month one: Building the habit
I first discovered Headway thanks to a recommendation from a friend. I’ve always been a big reader, but as time has passed and my working life has taken over, reading has become something I do less and less of. That always bothered me because I felt that I was missing out. Yet, Headway turned out to be something that really filled that void on demand.
By reading summaries of books that interested me, I took a personalized learning approach and found that I could absorb information without even realizing it. I feel this is ideal for people with busy agendas because it never felt like something I had to schedule and make time for; it became a natural part of my day. It’s a little like listening to a podcast on the way to work; you don’t have to expend too much energy to do it.
However, to help set the habit, I dedicated 15 minutes per day from the start. Each summary is around this time limit, and many microlearning courses also find this a suitable amount of time. I also found that mobile learning suits me best, as I can sit and learn something while commuting or in a coffee shop. Convenience is key!
Month two: Enhanced focus and productivity
In the second month of my microlearning adventure, I noticed small, step-by-step changes in my concentration levels and efficiency. The smaller chunks of information were much easier to digest, and it wasn’t overwhelming at all. Over time, I noticed that I was able to retain the information and didn’t need to keep checking back over terms I’d learned.
The habits that helped me integrate micro learning into my routine were also standing strong at this point. I could return to the rest of my daily tasks without losing momentum but still make time for learning in my workflow.
This method of learning boosts concentration levels naturally because when the brain knows that the focus period is short, it leads to a more intense and effective absorption of information. I could definitely notice a difference.
In fact, I found some great insights in the Headway summary of Cal Newport’s 'Deep Work,' which taught me the value of deep, concentrated work. Newport argues that today’s constant need to be connected means that we focus less deeply and should learn how to do deep work and shallow work. That way, we make time for large and small tasks.
"Who you are, what you think, feel, and do, what you love—is the sum of what you focus on." — Cal Newport
Month three: Personal growth and well-being
Cutting down on social media and making more time for learning began to have a huge effect by the third month. I noticed I wasn’t so stressed and didn’t care quite so much about always being in fashion. I didn’t compare myself quite so much and wasn’t so preoccupied with what everyone else was doing. In honesty, I felt calmer and adaptive in the best ways.
Making time for learning boosted my confidence and made me realize I was doing much more with my time. It also boosted my work completion rates. I found Headway’s gamification learning methods super engaging by this point, as they helped me want to keep learning more.
Month four: Skill acquisition
Nobody learns skills overnight, but by the fourth month, I noticed that I had definitely absorbed some new ones in my learning process. Stephen King’s 'On Writing' taught me a lot about how to self-edit my work and avoid procrastination. From there, I learned to set a daily goal to work toward, pushing aside any distractions that tried to derail my day.
Month five: Increased knowledge retention
Building the habit of learning in small amounts helped me retain information much more easily, which became evident during the fifth month. For instance, I learned how to improve my sleep by reading the Headway summary of 'The Sleep Solution' by W. Chris Winter, MD. Within a few weeks, I noticed significant differences in my sleep quality, which changed all areas of my life.
"Sleep is not the absence of wakefulness. In other words, sleep is not a light switch in your brain that is either on or off. Your body is doing amazing things at night while you sleep." — W. Chris Winter
I found I could remember this information more easily because I wasn’t dedicating myself to large chunks of reading and learning. Small, bite-sized chunks became much easier to recall, and I could build upon what I learned the previous day without issues or the need for a refresher training session.
Month six: Sustained lifestyle changes
After six months of committed microlearning, I was feeling pretty proud of myself and my learning experiences. The key now is to turn this into a lifestyle habit over a longer period of time. The great thing about microlearning is that it’s suitable for all types of learners, whether you favor reading, listening, animations, simulations, or games. I often switched between them all and found that Headway could accommodate all of that training content with ease.
These months have made me realize how much I love e-learning and how I can fit it into my lifestyle no matter what. Because I enjoy it, it’s easy to find time, and that’s the beauty of microlearning content. You don’t need any corporate training or huge amounts of time to fit in assessments; it’s all done on the go whenever you have the time. More knowledge, more skills, more enjoyment, more fun facts, there’s really nothing not to like!
Books I recommended to start your microlearning journey
If you’re keen to maximize your attention span and enjoy a journey of learning outcomes like mine, there is some good news coming your way. Headway is the perfect place to learn at your own pace whenever you have the time. You can set your learning objectives and find summaries that suit your needs or simply dig into whatever grabs your attention. That’s the beauty of it: the choice is yours!
No matter what you want to learn, be it artificial intelligence, self-love, or instructional design, there’s something for you. To help you get started, here are ten Headway summaries I’d highly recommend.
1. ‘Lean In’ - Sheryl Sandberg
If you’re striving to navigate the complexities of career and leadership, Sheryl Sandberg offers empowering advice. Her insights focus on overcoming workplace challenges and building confidence, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.
2. ‘Eat That Frog!’ - Brian Tracy
If procrastination is holding you back, Brian Tracy provides 21 actionable strategies to help you prioritize tasks and boost productivity. This book is perfect for anyone looking to tackle their biggest challenges and achieve more in less time.
3. 'Know Yourself, Know Your Money' - Rachel Cruze
They say that money makes the world go around, but all too often, it disappears out of our hands, and we’re not sure where it went. Rachel Cruze will help you revolutionize your approach to personal finance and create a new budget moving forward.
4. ‘The Psychology of Money’ - Morgan Housel
If you’ve ever wondered why people make irrational financial decisions, Morgan Housel sheds light on the emotional and psychological factors behind money management. Packed with timeless lessons, this book helps you understand how to make smarter financial choices and build lasting wealth.
5. 'The Power of Your Subconscious Mind' - Joseph Murphy
Your mind is capable of far more than you realize, but unlocking that takes time, effort, and know-how. Thankfully, Joseph Murphy is on hand to help you do just that.
6. 'Measure What Matters' - John Doerr
If you’ve never heard of OKRs, they’re about to change your life. This is how you measure success, progress, and goals, and 'Measure What Matters' will show you how.
7. ‘Atomic Habits’ - James Clear
If you're seeking a guide to personal growth through consistent effort, James Clear offers actionable advice to help you create lasting change. This book demonstrates how small daily habits can lead to remarkable transformations over time.
8. ‘The 5 Love Languages’ - Gary Chapman
Understanding love starts with knowing how to express it. Gary Chapman reveals the five unique ways people give and receive love, offering insights that can strengthen relationships and deepen your connection with yourself and others.
9. ‘Silent Spring’ - Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson's groundbreaking work reveals the profound impact of human actions on the environment. With a focus on ecological balance, this book inspires readers to take responsibility and contribute to a healthier planet.
Start your microlearning journey today with Headway
The moment I decided to put down my smartphone and relinquish the control that social media had over me was one of the best times of my life. It might sound like an overreaction, but it came just in time. Not only do I now have a whole host of new knowledge and new skills, but my confidence has soared. You can have the same experience.
Headway is an iconic microlearning platform that doesn’t make you feel like you’re learning at all simply because it’s all so much fun. Read summaries of the world’s bestsellers in just 15 minutes, or listen to them on the go. From there, you can find in-depth insights and motivational advice to take what you’ve learned and run with it.
It’s easy to get started; just download the app, sign up, and away you go. Headway offers the ideal learning environment for those with busy schedules, and I am certainly pleased I got on board.
