Okay, let’s break down the perspectives of Jim Rohn and other influential motivational speakers on learning and studying. While they might not always delve into specific academic study techniques, their focus is heavily on the mindset, philosophy, and discipline required for continuous learning and personal growth, which directly impacts how one approaches studying.

Jim Rohn’s Core Philosophy on Learning:

Jim Rohn is perhaps most famous for distinguishing between formal education and self-education:

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” This is his cornerstone idea. He believed that while school/college provides essential foundational knowledge and skills for a job, true wealth, success, and fulfillment come from a commitment to lifelong self-directed learning.

Learning as a Lifelong Necessity: Rohn saw learning not as something you finish, but as something you do continuously throughout life. Stagnation is the enemy; continuous growth through learning is the key to adapting and thriving.

Take Personal Responsibility: Your education is your responsibility. Don’t wait for someone to teach you; actively seek out knowledge.

Learn from Multiple Sources:

Reading: He was a huge advocate for reading books – biographies, philosophy, history, skills-based books. He famously suggested building a personal library.

Listening: Audio programs, seminars, lectures – absorbing information actively.

Observing: Learning from successful people, watching how they operate.

Experience: Learning from your own successes and, crucially, your failures (“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better”). Reflect on experiences to extract lessons.

Learn with Purpose: Don’t just accumulate random facts. Learn things that will help you achieve your goals, solve problems, improve your character, and enhance your skills.

The Importance of Application: Knowledge isn’t power; applied knowledge is power. Learn something and then figure out how to use it.

Work Harder on Yourself than Your Job: Investing time and effort in your own personal development (which includes learning) will yield greater returns in all areas of your life, including your career.

Common Themes from Other Motivational Speakers (like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Earl Nightingale, Stephen Covey):

While each has their unique style, several overlapping themes emerge regarding learning and studying:

Mindset is Everything (Zig Ziglar, Les Brown): Your attitude towards learning drastically affects your ability to absorb and retain information. Believing you can learn, maintaining a positive outlook (“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”), and having a hunger for knowledge are crucial. Overcoming limiting beliefs about your own intelligence is key.

Constant and Never-Ending Improvement – CANI (Tony Robbins): This philosophy emphasizes making small, consistent improvements daily. Applied to learning, it means dedicating regular time, even if short, to acquiring new knowledge or skills. It’s about momentum and gradual growth.

Goal-Oriented Learning (Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar): Know why you are learning or studying. Having clear goals gives your efforts direction and motivation. Break down large learning goals into smaller, manageable steps. Tracy often emphasizes clarity: “Clarity is the key to effective action.”

Focus and Concentration (Brian Tracy): Emphasizes eliminating distractions and dedicating focused blocks of time to learning or studying (similar to his “Eat That Frog” concept for tasks). Deep work leads to better understanding and retention.

Modeling Success (Tony Robbins): Find people who have successfully learned what you want to learn or achieved what you want to achieve. Study their methods, mindset, and strategies. Learn from their path.

Action and Application (All): Echoing Rohn, most speakers stress that learning without action is futile. The purpose of learning is often to change behavior, improve skills, or make better decisions. Take what you learn and do something with it.

Sharpen the Saw (Stephen Covey – Habit 7): Learning falls under Covey’s principle of self-renewal. Regularly investing time in expanding your mind (reading, learning new skills, studying) is essential for long-term effectiveness and preventing burnout.

Input Determines Output (Zig Ziglar): Be mindful of what information you consume. Feed your mind with positive, constructive, and valuable knowledge (“Garbage in, garbage out”).

Discipline and Habit (All): Motivation might get you started, but discipline and habit keep you going. Schedule regular time for learning/studying and stick to it, even when you don’t feel like it. Consistency compounds results.

Learn from Failure (All): Setbacks and mistakes are not endpoints but learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your approach.

In Summary:

Motivational speakers generally view learning and studying not just as academic exercises, but as fundamental pillars of personal growth, success, and fulfillment. Their advice focuses on:

Taking Ownership: Your learning journey is yours to command.

Cultivating Mindset: Develop a positive, hungry, and growth-oriented attitude.

Being Purposeful: Know why you’re learning and connect it to your goals.

Embracing Consistency: Make learning a regular, disciplined habit.

Seeking Diverse Sources: Read, listen, observe, experience.

Applying Knowledge: Turn learning into action and results.

Never Stopping: Commit to being a lifelong student.

Their core message is that investing in your knowledge and skills through continuous learning and diligent study is one of the highest-leverage activities you can undertake.