The end of the year is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on your personal growth—and maybe even figure out your learning style. Think of it as a little self-improvement project to carry you into 2025. Knowing how you learn best can change everything from how you tackle work projects to how you finally learn to bake sourdough bread. Let’s dig into what makes understanding your learning style such a game-changer.

We’re All Wired Differently—Thank Goodness

First off, let’s get one thing straight: no two brains work the same way. Your learning style could be influenced by the way you were taught in school or even the stories you tell yourself about your capabilities. Add a sprinkle of neurodivergence—ADHD, dyslexia, or that delightful “neuro-spicy” brain wiring—and the plot thickens.

Here’s the catch: even within between similar people, learning styles can vary wildly. You might thrive on hands-on experiences, while someone else with ADHD can’t learn a thing without colour-coded charts. The trick is to dig deep and identify your own patterns. Think of it like an adventure in self-awareness. 

Embracing your uniqueness is half the battle. Forget trying to copy someone else’s methods or sticking to outdated advice. This journey is about tuning in to what works for you, experimenting with different techniques, and embracing the quirks that make your brain your own. Trust us, it’s more liberating than you think.

Flashbacks to School Days

Remember the classroom grind? Whether you were the teacher’s pet or the “disruptive” kid (ahem, creative genius), those early learning experiences left an imprint. Maybe you excelled at group discussions but zoned out reading a textbook. Or perhaps essays felt like climbing Mount Everest, but oral presentations were your jam.

If any of this rings true, congratulations: you were already hacking your learning style before it was cool. Back then, you might’ve had to bargain with teachers to play to your strengths. Now, you call the shots. Reflecting on those school memories can help you pinpoint strategies that work for you today.

That group project dynamic? Maybe it’s why you thrive in team brainstorming sessions now. Those dreaded book reports? Perhaps they taught you the value of concise summaries. Digging into your school days isn’t about reliving trauma; it’s about mining for gold.

Decoding the Big Four

Learning styles often fall into four categories: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing. But don’t feel boxed in—think of them as a loose guide. Maybe you lean heavily into visuals, or perhaps your brain lights up when you hear information explained aloud. Some folks even straddle multiple styles, depending on the task.

The point? Discovering your learning preferences can make a world of difference. Imagine you’re tackling a certification course. If reading dense material isn’t your thing, why not find audio lectures you can speed up to 2x? Not your style? Opt for hands-on workshops or videos. The goal is to learn smarter, not harder.

This flexibility extends to everyday tasks, too. Grocery shopping? Visual learners might map out their list aisle by aisle, while auditory types might rely on voice memos. Tailoring your approach doesn’t just make life easier—it makes it more enjoyable. Because let’s face it: anything that reduces stress is a win.

The Joy of Knowing (and Asking for) What You Need

Let’s face it—traditional learning setups don’t always cater to individual needs. The good news? Advocating for yourself is easier when you know your learning style. Need captions on a video? Ask. Prefer course materials with both audio and text? Say so. People aren’t mind readers, and there’s no shame in customizing your experience.

This approach works wonders beyond education, too. Self-awareness about your learning preferences can boost productivity and confidence in any setting. And the best part? You avoid the endless cycle of trying to force a square peg into a round hole. That’s a win in our book.

Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about setting boundaries and expectations. When you know what you need to succeed, you’re less likely to settle for mediocrity. Whether it’s work, hobbies, or personal growth, aligning your environment with your learning style is empowering.

Growth Is Messy, and That’s Okay

Here’s a twist: your learning style isn’t set in stone. What worked last year might feel outdated now, and that’s perfectly normal. For instance, you might’ve needed absolute silence to focus during college, but these days, a little lo-fi beats playlist gets you in the zone. Stay flexible and keep experimenting.

Life evolves, and so do you. Whether it’s adjusting to new environments, changing responsibilities, or even just discovering a better way to do things, there’s power in staying open-minded. Don’t lock yourself into one method just because it worked once. Growth is a journey, not a to-do list.

The beauty of this messy process is the lessons you learn along the way. Each failure, adjustment, and breakthrough adds another layer to your self-awareness. So embrace the chaos—it’s where the magic happens.

Whether you’re learning to juggle (literally or metaphorically) or diving into a new passion project, tailoring your approach can mean the difference between frustration and flow. So here’s your homework: take some time to reflect on what works for you. Dive into your past learning wins and failures. Get curious. And above all, give yourself permission to adapt and thrive. Because 2025 is right around the corner, and it’s high time you hacked your brain for good.