Some things are more difficult to comprehend than others.It can be difficult to tackle a subject or question that you can't seem to wrap your mind around.Even very complex concepts can be understood if you work at them.You can make it easier for yourself to understand a variety of different things by being honest with yourself and implementing various problem-solving strategies.
Step 1: Ask yourself what you don't understand.
It will be easier for you to address the root of your confusion if you know what it is.Try to narrow down where the misunderstanding is occurring by asking yourself what confuses you about the issue.For example, if you are confused about how a compass works, ask yourself what part of the compass confuses you: the needle spinning, the earth's magnetic field, or how that causes it to move in a certain direction.You can ask questions that align with the 5 W's: who, what, when, where, and why.)
Step 2: If you are willing to ask for help, you will get it.
There are things you may not be able to comprehend on your own.If you are willing to ask for help from someone with more expertise or a different perspective, you should.If you're embarrassed about asking for help, remind yourself that it's more important that you fully understand something than it is to be completely independent.Everybody asks for help at some point in their lives.It will keep you motivated when you run into difficulties if you are humble about what you know and don't know.It may be hard to admit that you might be wrong.Ask a close friend to help you identify areas where you might be mistaken if you have trouble with this.
Step 3: Write down the things you know about the topic.
Writing out the things you do know about the problem will help you identify where the gaps are in your understanding.Writing them down will allow you to concentrate on the things you don't understand.It is a good way to remind yourself that you don't completely misunderstand the subject.When you doubt your capabilities, use this method to motivate you.
Step 4: Think about what you don't understand.
You should be able to work most issues out quickly and easily if you think about what has happened.Give yourself 30-50 minutes to think through the question and come up with an answer.Your natural human intelligence should be able to comprehend even the most complex ideas given enough time.If you can't understand something after an hour of thinking, you should reach out to someone.
Step 5: As you think about your question, write down your thoughts.
Your brain will be making lots of new connections when you think about what you don't understand.As you force yourself to articulate them in ways that are easier to understand, write these ideas down.Don't use a laptop to write down your thoughts.It is generally better to identify important concepts this way.
Step 6: To get a fresh look at the question, approach it from multiple viewpoints.
If you are stumped by a problem, an issue, or a tricky concept, it may be helpful to change your focus or look at it from a different perspective.If you are having trouble understanding a scientific process by reading about it, consider using a kinesthetic learning method and studying the process through a physical experiment.Changing the environment that you are in can help you think about a problem in a different way.If you want to refresh your brain, consider going for a walk, relocating to a different area, or turning on more lights.
Step 7: Break down what you don't understand into smaller components.
Simple ideas and concepts are easier to understand than grand theories and schemes.Break it down into smaller components and work on understanding one component at a time.If you have trouble understanding how a certain machine works, try breaking it down into smaller components and learning how each of those works.This will help you to not feel overwhelmed by the situation.
Step 8: If you can teach the issue to someone else, that would be great.
Try to teach the subject to another person if you don't have a good grasp of the details.You will have to explain every aspect of the subject in order to get a better idea of how it works.If you approach a problem for the purpose of explaining it to someone else, your brain will engage in more effective learning strategies and focus on organizing the most important elements into a coherent structure.If you find yourself unable to teach something due to your own misunderstanding, this method can help you to zero in on what you don't understand and think through it more effectively.
Step 9: Every day, learn something new.
No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.To maintain a willingness to develop new understandings, be open to continuing your education every day.Consistently learning new things will lead to you knowing more and more things, and remind you of how much you don't know.This will motivate you to continue your education.
Step 10: Daily meditation can help develop inner awareness.
You can meditate and look at the inner workings of your mind.It is a good way to learn more about how your mind reacts to new information and how you can be more open to novel ideas and experiences.Through meditation, you may be able to identify your inner critic and how self-doubt can keep you from reaching your full intellectual potential.
Step 11: Get enough sleep and exercise.
People who get regular physical exercise and stay well-rested are more likely to take in new information.Keep your mind and body in good shape.You should aim to get 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night and exercise at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes 5 times a week.
Step 12: Keep your mind open.
If you are not willing to expand your horizon, you will not be able to understand new ideas or complex concepts.You should keep your mind open to new problem-solving techniques and new ways of looking at the world.If you are unsure how to make your mind more open, consider changing up an established part of your work routine or reading a book that challenges one of the ways you think about a certain subject.