the risks of 'binge learning'

IF, LIKE ME, YOU ALWAYS WANT to keep pace with new developments and insights, you run a big risk: the risk of 'overeating' knowledge without properly digesting it.

Especially in times of lockdown, this risk of 'binge learning' is serious. After all, you have (or had) more time to broaden your horizons. Or maybe you are the kind of person who always has a large stack of books and articles waiting on your desk or desktop?

In any case, taking in all that knowledge without properly digesting it is a bit of a waste. You're actually skipping two steps:

1. Processing the knowledge, by which I mean: summarizing what you have learned and actively looking for ways to connect that knowledge to other theories or insights. Nine times out of ten you are struck by something because it connects to other ideas you carry with you, consciously or unconsciously. Making those connections visible, in a mind map or by other means, is a great way to 'store' the knowledge and make it your own. Take the time to do this, otherwise you will quickly forget your newly acquired insights!
2. Putting the knowledge into practice. This is done very rarely, if at all. You can only take this step if you restrict yourself with your information intake, and start reading new books or articles only if [a] a theme is firmly established in your working practice or [b] you encounter problems or lack of progress in execution.

This second step is more difficult, requires much more discipline, than reading one article after the other and feeling like you're getting smarter by the minute. It leads to a sugar rush that may feel nice for a bit, but ultimately does not provide any nutrition.


My advice would be: take a critical look at that stack of articles and books. Do you read them to 'stay informed' (almost impossible) or do you read them to improve your working method? In the latter case:

• Make a list of 4 aspects of your work that you wish to improve this year. Do these books and articles contribute to those goals? If not, put them away.
• Do you want to improve your knowledge of a specific theme? Set yourself 4 practical goals that you want to achieve by reading. For example: You want to know more about Big Data. The 4 goals could be:

1. I want to be able to explain in 4 minutes to colleagues why we should do something with Big Data.
2. I want to find 4 examples or cases that show us how Big Data can add measurable value in our industry.
3. I want to find 4 aspects of our operations in which further research on the use of Big Data could be a worthwhile investment.
4. I'm looking for the names of 4 companies that have demonstrable knowledge and experience in this field, companies that may help us explore our options.

As you can see, these goals provide a clear framework, but above all: a clear end point to your research. It's the equivalent of making your plate a bit smaller so you don't overeat. Enjoy!