how to start self-studying

master the sweet, sweet pleasures of learning

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Since graduating from Uni in 2020, I’ve fallen into the accidental habit of self-studying.

As someone who is naturally curious about many things, I find it pleasurable to dive deep into subjects that pique my interest, consuming as much information as humanly possible until my curiosity is satiated. Consequently, I’ve accumulated roughly four journals, and I'm starting my fifth, all dedicated to different subjects I’ve learned over the years.

If you are like me and enjoy the sweet, sweet pleasures of learning, or if you’d like to incorporate learning more into your life this year, here are a few tips to help you get started and commit to a life of self-learning.

Step 1: Pick 1-2 subjects to focus on a time.

It can be tempting to tackle all the subjects you’re curious about, but this is the wrong way to approach learning. If you randomly learn whatever you want, whenever you want, it can be pretty challenging to retain the information learned.

In my experience, it’s better to study one or two subjects simultaneously rather than five or ten.

That said, pick 1-2 subjects you’d like to study for the next month, 3 months, 6 months, or year. This will help you stay organized and on track with your self-studies without experiencing burnout or information overload.

Step 2: Schedule studying times

The best way to get into the habit of anything is to dedicate a set time or day to commit to that habit. By scheduling time for studying, you’re setting an active intention to learn and are more likely to do it.

Since studying is more mentally demanding than most habits, I recommend dedicating 1-5 days per week and 1-3 hours per study session.

However, you know your schedule best, so schedule your study sessions accordingly.

Since I read many books as a form of self-study, I ensure that I read for at least one hour each day. Additionally, I dedicate my Saturdays and Sundays to self-study, during which I typically study for 2 to 3 hours. During my weekend study sessions, I like to write notes in my information journal from the book I’m reading on the subject and conduct additional research (read articles or research papers, watch videos, etc.)

Step 3: Organize your information

Before you commit to studying, I recommend dedicating a specific space to input all the information you learn.

This space can be digital, like a Google or Word document, or physical, like a blank journal or sketchbook. Either way, like you would in school, organize the information so it’s not scattered everywhere and you can easily find it in one specific spot.

I like to use these blank journals, along with my specific note-taking and sticky-tabbing system, to write down all my information in one book (a new method I’m trying in 2025). However, if you like to separate your journals by subjects, that’s also a great way to stay organized!

My 2025 information journal. I used to be very organized but now I just jot down things in short form since it’s easier for me!

I used to store my notes digitally, but not so much anymore! I prefer writing it by hand.

Step 4: Create a small study schedule or list

Before diving into the subject, I recommend dedicating one session to general research.

During this general research session, write down a list of prominent thought-leaders in the subject, keywords, and important concepts or theories you want to explore more of. Start with a critical list of 5-10 things you want to explore, leaving room for other ideas, people, or terms that might emerge as you research.

Example: Behavioural Economics

• Key Leaders: Richard Thaler & Daniel Kahneman

• Keywords: logical fallacies, biases, heuristics

• Key Concepts: Loss Aversion, Endowment Effect, Anchoring, Framing Effect

• Interesting Books to Read: Nudge by Richard Thaler, Misbehaving by Richard Thaler, Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

You don’t have to be thorough in your list; start with the simple or basics, so you don’t overwhelm yourself but have some direction to work with. The more you learn, the more ideas you’ll discover that you want to learn more about.

Step 5: Write about it

I recently wrote an article about the benefits of writing about what you learn and how it can help you understand a subject better.

When you write about a subject, you’re forced to piece the information you learned together in a linear format, requiring you to think clearly. What’s more, writing requires you to revisit the information, which strengthens your neural networks, causing you to remember the information better.

There are many proven benefits to writing about what you learn, but the most important benefit is that it’ll help you strengthen your understanding of a subject.

Step 6: Share what you’ve learned

Now that you’ve picked a subject, created a schedule and guide, stored your information, and written about it, I urge you to use that information to create content and share it with the world (or a close friend, whichever you prefer).

If you feel uncomfortable sharing your writing, try making it fun by crafting creative visuals or talking about it in front of a camera.

Regardless, I’m a major advocate of sharing what you’ve learned. Sharing helps increase your understanding of a subject since it requires you to explain it, and it can also help inspire others to start their self-studying journey.

Bonus Tips

• Make self-studying fun by going to your favourite cafe or studying with a friend

• You can mix up how you consume information by reading books, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, reading articles or essays, etc.

• Always carry a mini-pocket book to write down any information you encounter outside your study sessions. Then, you can input that information into your journal.

• Try to find online communities that discuss the subject you’re studying (reddit, substack, etc) so you can connect with other like-minded individuals