I think the best skill you can ever learn is how to learn better. If you find the best way for you to learn faster and remember more, you will become more skilled at more things faster.
Tips for learning better
When listening
When you learn by listening, you must try to be as active as possible. If possible, ask questions, respond and participate. If this is not possible, take notes, write down ideas and learn to read between the lines while listening. Whenever I listen to a speaker I always get ideas for things to research or things to do. I try to write them down and research them later. Just make sure you still pay attention while making your notes.
When practicing
When practicing something, you should focus on the task at hand. Don’t get distracted. If you feel like you can’t accomplish what you are practicing, do some research on how others do it. Find examples, watch videos or read experiences. When you feel like you have accomplished what you set out to do, don’t stop quite yet. Do it a few more times, just don’t get tired of it.
When researching
When you research something you need to be focused on what you are trying to find out. Don’t stray to far of your main topic. Make notes and try to structure your notes into a readable text. Use different sources, ask people and get visual data. Most people learn better by visual means than pure text.
Other techniques
I find that the best way to remember something really well is to work with it and if possible teach it to others. I try to teach my skills whenever I can, either in person or by writing about it to someone. Often I just publish my findings here on my blog.
I also often start pet projects when I need to learn something. This is especially true for skills like programming and writing. When I felt I needed a refresh in programming javascript, I ported one of my iPhone games to the web.
