Learning something new always felt like an uphill battle—until I discovered how to optimize my brain for faster mastery.
Contents
The Struggle of Learning Something New
I’ve always admired people who could pick up new skills effortlessly. You know the type—those who decide to learn a new language, an instrument, or even coding, and within months, they’re already proficient. Meanwhile, I felt like my brain was stuck in molasses, struggling to retain even the basics.
So when I decided to teach myself graphic design, I had one goal: figure out how to learn smarter, not harder. I didn’t have months to waste on slow progress. I needed a way to cut through the learning curve and get results fast.
The Frustration of a Slow Start
At first, it was rough. I spent hours watching tutorials, but the information never seemed to stick. I’d forget half of what I learned by the next day. My brain felt foggy, sluggish—like I was forcing it to absorb knowledge that just wouldn’t stay.
After a few weeks of this, I started doubting myself. Maybe I just wasn’t good at learning new things. Maybe my brain wasn’t wired for this kind of skill. But deep down, I knew there had to be a better way.
Discovering Cognitive Enhancement
One night, while searching for ways to improve learning and memory, I stumbled across something I hadn’t considered before: nootropics. I’d heard the term before, but I assumed they were just another overhyped trend. Still, I was desperate to find anything that could help me retain information better.
As I dug deeper, I found stories of people using nootropics to enhance focus, memory, and cognitive processing. Some of the most promising ones included:
- Bacopa Monnieri – Known for improving memory and retention.
- Citicoline – Supports brain energy and mental clarity.
- L-theanine + Caffeine – Boosts focus without the jitters.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Helps with mental fatigue and endurance.
It wasn’t just about taking supplements—it was about giving my brain the fuel it needed to learn efficiently. I decided to give it a try.
The Breakthrough
I started with a simple nootropic stack: Citicoline in the morning, Bacopa Monnieri daily, and L-theanine with my morning coffee to keep me focused. I didn’t expect overnight results, but within a week, something changed.
For the first time, I could sit down and work through design tutorials without my mind wandering. I wasn’t just passively watching—I was engaged, absorbing information like a sponge. Concepts that once felt overwhelming suddenly made sense.
Most noticeably, my memory improved. Before, I had to rewatch tutorials multiple times just to retain the basics. Now, I could watch once and apply what I learned immediately.
Optimizing My Learning Process
With my brain functioning at full capacity, I realized I needed to fine-tune my learning strategy as well. Here’s what made all the difference:
- Active Learning: Instead of passively watching videos, I immediately practiced what I learned.
- Spaced Repetition: I reviewed key concepts in short bursts over several days, reinforcing my memory.
- Deliberate Practice: I focused on improving weak areas instead of just repeating what I was already good at.
- Eliminating Distractions: I used the Pomodoro technique to work in focused sprints with no interruptions.
With my mind sharper and my learning method optimized, my progress skyrocketed. Within weeks, I had gone from struggling with basic design tools to creating professional-level graphics.
Seeing the Results
Before this experiment, I had assumed that learning was always supposed to be slow and painful. But now, I understood that a lot of that struggle came from not giving my brain what it needed. By supporting my cognitive function with nootropics and refining my study habits, I had unlocked a level of efficiency I didn’t even know was possible.
In just two months, I had reached a skill level that should have taken me at least six. What’s more, I actually enjoyed the process instead of feeling frustrated and stuck.
Learning something new doesn’t have to be a painful, drawn-out process. If you’re struggling to retain information, stay focused, or make progress, it’s worth asking: Are you giving your brain the right tools?
For me, nootropics were the missing piece. They didn’t magically make me a genius, but they optimized my brain’s ability to learn, process, and retain information. Combined with the right learning techniques, they helped me cut the learning curve in half.
So if you’ve been struggling to pick up a new skill, don’t assume you’re just “bad” at learning. With the right approach, you might be capable of mastering things faster than you ever imagined.
And if my experience is any proof, sometimes all it takes is a little extra cognitive support to unlock that potential.
