I recently decided that when I have something new I want to work on, I should try to dedicate just 10 minutes a day to it, so that I can make a little progress every day rather than none at all. On my bucket list is to learn basic chemistry, so I got a chem textbook and I've been spending just 10 minutes a day reading it and doing practice problems. I'm already through 3 chapters. It turns out that those little bits of time add up, and sometimes I decide to give it 10 minutes and I end up spending 30. For those of you trying to find enough time in the day, I'd recommend giving this a try.
Thanks, Dustin. The late Bill Oncken recommended a to-do list with priorities (A-B-C), and that no matter how much--or how little--time you had, use it only on "A" priorities. Even if you could finish a couple of "B" or "C" items and not the "A" item, the time was better spent moving the "A" along, even though we get some satisfaction from crossing those others off the list. I've lived by that in the 40 years or so since I read that. But.... It's hard for me sometimes to climb into something emotionally--like a book or some other project--knowing I don't have time to complete it. Like just now (and I mean NOW), I finished reviewing applications for an award. I just knew I couldn't come in and go out of it repeatedly. (I don't like doing it, but I was asked.) So, I picked a Saturday with nothing otherwise scheduled, and got it done in 3 hours. But if it's something I like, I'm with you all the way. Any free time I have to move it along I'll use. Now I have to go and power wash bird poop off my back yard walls....
I had someone once tell me that they needed to learn two new subjects for work. Topic A was important, so they were going to spend an hour a day on it, after work. Topic B was a "nice to have", relatively unimportant, so they stuck the textbook in their backpack to read at random: during breaks or while on their commute. After a couple of months, they had barely progressed in Topic A, because they actually didn't have that much time to spend after work. But they had finished Topic B's book and knew all about it!
This can be applied to almost everything, such as 10 minutes of exercise each day before work and after work, you can do the same for listening to a language audio CD to catch phrases you've always wanted in another language of your choice. I remember doing something similar before my trips to a different country, there is the "In Flight Language" series and just listen to the entire cd during the flight.
Okay, then. I want to apply it to the following at 10 minutes a day. One at a time, in order. So, at that rate, how long will it take me to: (a) Complete an MD program at an accredited University School of Medicine . (b) Starting first with Bachelor's and Master's, complete a PhD in Astrophysics. (Imperial College, London will be fine. Brian May earned his PhD there.) (c) Write a novel guaranteed to win me a Nobel Prize in Literature. (d) Become a famous jazz musician. THAT long, huh?
The other day I was reading my daily devotion on my Bible app. One of the things they recommended was not missing more than two consecutive days when developing a new habit. So, I think this is applicable to your learning of chemistry. Do not go two days without reading your textbook, or you might slowly drift away.
Chris said a magic word: habit. I love Atomic Habits by James Clear. How they're formed, how they can be broken, how they can be reinforced. Good stuff.
I like Warren Buffett's idea of having a list of five goals you want to do with your life. A person can make "to do" lists daily/weekly, but should prioritize based on what will make the most long-term difference to the original five goals.
I have 4 priorities in my life. If something (significant) doesn't contribute to one or more of those 4, I don't do it.
Health House: Quality in a small(ish) package Recognized Expert: Distance Learning, Strategic Leadership Development, Talent Development Travel That's it. That's the list. If it ain't that, I ain't a-doin' it.
Another interesting take: Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Priorities. It's not that I don't have enough time; I don't have clear priorities.