Have you ever been stuck on a problem and thought, “I just can’t do this”? Maybe it was math in school, fixing a leaky faucet at home, or learning a new skill as an adult. It’s easy to feel frustrated when the way you were taught doesn’t click. But here’s the truth: just because you couldn’t figure it out before doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out now. Sometimes, success comes down to finding a different way to learn.
Recently, I saw someone demonstrate three completely different ways to solve the same multiplication problem. The final answer was the same, but the approaches were each very unique. It was such a powerful reminder that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution for learning. The key? Finding the method that works for you.
Learning to Learn Differently
This idea really hit home for me when I thought about my own struggles with reading, which has never come naturally to me. Between dyslexia and focus issues, reading always been mentally exhausting. For years, I wrote myself off, thinking it just wasn’t for me and stuck to audio books.
But when I opened myself up to trying new approaches, I found ways to make it work:
Guiding My Eyes with a Pointer: Whether it’s my finger or a pen, it keeps my eyes from skipping ahead and helps me focus on one word at a time.
Creating Page Landmarks: I place small dots or marks on the side of the page. These act as checkpoints, keeping my eyes anchored and stopping them from wandering.
Using a Dyslexia-Friendly Font: These new fonts make letters more distinct (no more guessing between a ‘b’ and ‘d’), making reading smoother and less exhausting.
These strategies transformed how I approach reading. More importantly, they taught me that it’s okay to need a different approach. The problem wasn’t me—it was that I hadn’t found the right tools yet.
You’re Not ‘Bad’ at Something—You Just Haven’t Found Your Way
Whether it’s reading, launching a business, or picking up a new skill, we often quit too quickly. We tell ourselves:
• “I’m just not good at that.”
• “I tried once, and it didn’t work.”
What if the problem isn't you? What if the problem is simply the way you were taught?
Here’s the thing: people learn and succeed in different ways. The method that works for one person might not work for another—and that’s okay! The important part is staying curious and open to trying new approaches.
Take Action: Start Where You Are
Think about something you’ve been avoiding because it feels too hard. What’s one small step you could take to try again—differently?
Could you ask for advice from someone who approaches it differently?
Could you look up a video tutorial that breaks it down step by step?
Could you try a tool, resource, or technique you haven’t used before?
The most important thing is to start. You might stumble—and that's okay, it's part of the process. The more you experiment, the closer you’ll get to your own version of success. As Wayne Gretzky said:
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”
Just Because You Couldn’t Then Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Now
Life isn’t about getting things right the first time. It’s about the journey, trying again, and finding what works for you.
So, whatever has been holding you back, I challenge you: try again. This time, try your way.
You’re not the same person you were the first time you tried, and your approach doesn’t have to be the same, either.
Success is out there waiting for you—you just have to find your way to do it.
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