I find the best and fastest way to learn something new is to be utterly forced into it. I do not mean physical force although I am sure it would work as well.

I find there is a lot of stuff I want to learn but it always gets put off because I am too busy or once put off for so long I forget about it. I have a few recent experiences where I have been forced to learn something and learnt much quicker then if I would not have been in that situation.

I am working with a particular client and we may be using the ExpressionEngine content management system. I began doing some research and discovery on the product and it was purchased so I started testing it out. I was later instructed that I will be using this CMS and had a detailed functionality list for the project. This forced me to start to research the core functionality to see what can be done out of the box as well as look at all of the plugins and evaluate what to use for non core features.

To take it a step further, I was notified I will be providing a client demonstrating to the client to showcase the product. I had 4 business days to become an expert in the product. I was literally forced to learn it, there was no other option, there was no turning back. I can say that after 3 days I could now put ExpressionEngine on my resume as something I work with. I may not be fluent in it but I feel comfortable enough to build a complex website using it now. I know for a fact that if I was not forced into this, I would still be wanting to learn ExpressionEngine and most likely never would.

I had a very similar experience with the content management system ModX. Now I can say it is one of my favourite products and have built several sites using it since I was forced to learn it.

How to use this in the real world
You can benefit right now from this. Say that you really want to learn a new programming language or a specific product. Try putting it or your resume or offering to build something you next project using it. Once you have the gig where you will use it, you have no choice but to become an expert in it.

Now my examples may all be web development related but this can be applied to all areas of life. Say you always wanted to learn salsa dancing (like me) try actually going and entering yourself and your significant other in dance classes or on your next trip to Mexico sign up for the dance night or enter a dance competition.

Put yourself in a position that forces you to be your absolute best.