Always Learning

Any great athlete knows they will never know all there is to learn about their sport. The best-of-the-best understand quickly how their bodies and minds absorb and process information. In an effort to become a professional or obtain elite status at anything, it’s important to know how you learn.

Learning takes on many forms and can be categorized. Primary forms of learning include kinesthetic or “hands-on” learning, visual learning, and auditory learning. Any of these learning styles can be refined to fit anyone but there are specifics in each that fit for an individual.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners prefer to be involved in the action and master skills through imitation and practice. They enjoy feeling, discovery and action, and remember by using tools, building models and manipulating things. They benefit from hands-on teaching techniques and prefer participating actively rather than watching video or reading from a book. These learners often enjoy keeping a notebook and benefit from writing down as much information as possible.

Visual Learners

Visual learners prefer to see examples and charts and benefit from re-copying or making notes. They like to have pen and paper at all times. These learners relate to text, videos, charts, graphs, and they like books, magazines and other reading material. Visual learners benefit from re-copying or making their own notes as they practice.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners prefer to hear explanations and answers. They learn through lectures, music, verbal instructions or debates. They relate most effectively to the spoken word and learn effectively through lectures, audio books, oral presentations, music or verbal instructions. Auditory learners enjoy discussions and debates and they benefit from reading aloud.

While everyone has a primary learning technique, many use a combination of these methods to develop their skill sets quickly. On the path to becoming an elite professional, or perhaps a “Hall of Fame” caliber athlete, determine your primary learning style and be prepared to learn.