Are you eager to challenge yourself and enhance your skills? Let’s embark on a journey known as the 6-week challenge, a method I initiated a few years ago to continuously engage in learning. Often, I found my personal learning objectives overshadowed by everyday tasks, necessitating a more focused approach to learning with an element of gamification.
I once read (regrettably, I didn’t save the article) that six weeks is an ideal period for acquiring a new skill. This duration is sufficiently long to master something substantial, yet short enough to avoid the feeling of long-term planning. Thus, I set out to challenge myself every six weeks to learn something new.
This method proved so effective that we implemented it in our company. Our employees established their own learning goals, which we then divided into smaller, manageable tasks, allocating dedicated “free time” for these challenges. This not only encouraged continuous development but also demonstrated our company’s commitment to self-improvement. Although the system didn’t suit everyone, those who engaged with it gained new skills that might have remained mere ambitions.
The 6-Week Challenge System
Now, let’s delve into the 6-week challenge system. It’s straightforward, but commitment to the plan and dedicating time to it are crucial.
Begin by identifying your personal growth goals, which might range from professional aspirations to personal interests. List every skill or growth objective you envision. Then, take a step back and let these ideas simmer for a while. Upon revisiting, assign up to 10 points to each skill, ranking them according to the points allocated. This will help you prioritize and create a target list for future challenges.
Next, choose the first skill you wish to learn and break it down into smaller segments. For instance, if you’re keen on designing display banners for Google Ads, dissect this goal into learning about available tools, selecting one, understanding banner design basics, and exploring best practices in design and copywriting.
Now, consider the time you can allocate to this challenge. Say you have 2 hours per week, totaling 12 hours for the entire challenge. Estimate the time needed for each segment and set clear objectives for what you aim to achieve by week six. Ensure these goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
To stay motivated and focused, I recommend a social commitment. Pair up with an accountability partner, share your progress on social media, or create a personal contract. Establishing a routine, such as setting aside a consistent block of time every six weeks for your challenge, can also be beneficial.
Once you start, dedicate yourself to learning the skill. After the six weeks, reflect on your progress and make improvements where necessary. By repeating this process, you will soon see significant growth. Give it a try and discover if this method works for you too. Happy learning!
