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How To Learn Cloud Computing FASTER Than Anyone Else

Introduction

If you're looking to make small changes that yield big results in cloud computing, you've come to the right place. A few years ago, I set ambitious goals without any real success, only to learn that you don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems. This realization shifted my perspective: setting goals without the proper systems is a fruitless endeavor.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Slan, a Cloud Engineer, and today I’m sharing 10 powerful lessons I gleaned from "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. These lessons are about creating robust systems that support your journey in cloud computing. The same principles that have helped tech giants like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos can also work for you. These strategies transformed me from a beginner into a competent cloud security consultant, and you can use them to accelerate your cloud learning today. Plus, you can grab my beginner's guide to the cloud for free—link in the description!

1. The 1% Rule

The concept of the 1% rule emphasizes that small, consistent improvements compound over time to yield significant results. By improving just 1% each day, you can become 37 times better by year-end. When starting with cloud computing, I focused on mastering one small concept daily instead of attempting to learn everything in a rush. Over time, my knowledge accumulated, leading to the ability to build projects and understand complex architectures.

Challenge: What small 1% improvement can you make in your cloud journey today?

2. Identity Shift

An effective form of intrinsic motivation occurs when habits become part of your identity. I transitioned from simply wanting to learn cloud computing to identifying as an aspiring Cloud Engineer. This subtle shift in mindset helped me align my actions with my goals.

To solidify this new identity:

  • Make decisions based on your new self-image.
  • Surround yourself with cloud professionals.
  • Celebrate small wins that reflect your identity.
  • Discuss cloud topics with friends and family.

3. The Plateau of Latent Potential

Initial learning phases can feel stagnant, but progress is often happening beneath the surface. While learning AWS Lambda and serverless architecture, weeks felt unproductive. However, by persisting, I eventually had a breakthrough, illustrating that progress often follows a long period of hard work.

4. Making It Obvious

Make your learning habits obvious by creating a schedule. Set a specific time and place for your studies. For example, I dedicated mornings and evenings for cloud studies and used habit stacking, where I paired cloud learning with another habit I already had.

5. Making Learning Attractive

To make learning appealing, I associated it with enjoyable activities. I’d have coffee and snacks while studying or shared my progress on LinkedIn, which made me more inclined to engage with cloud learning. You can reward yourself or create an engaging learning environment.

6. The Two-Minute Rule

Breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts can help ease the learning process. For example, starting with just opening the AWS console can initiate productive study sessions, making it easier to maintain consistency.

7. Immediate Rewards

Immediate rewards reinforce behavior. I kept a success journal to track my achievements and would review it before studies. Visual cues, like marking a calendar for each study day, encouraged me to maintain momentum.

8. Shaping Your Environment

Your environment influences your behavior, so design it to support your learning. I created a dedicated study area and minimized distractions by adjusting my digital environment to keep cloud computing goals at the forefront.

9. The Goldilocks Rule

Motivation peaks when tasks are on the border of your current abilities. I learned not to rush into advanced topics or linger too long on beginner materials. Challenging myself with slightly advanced projects helped me maintain motivation.

10. The Power of Accountability

Accountability can drive consistency. Write down your learning goals, find a partner with similar objectives, and set up check-ins. By ensuring the pain of not completing a task outweighs the ease of avoiding it, you can sustain your learning momentum.

Conclusion

The systems outlined throughout this article can lead to significant results in your cloud computing journey. For those on a quest for a cloud job, you can catch more insights in my next video on landing your first cloud position.

Keywords

  • Cloud Computing
  • 1% Rule
  • Identity Shift
  • Plateau of Latent Potential
  • Habit Stacking
  • Immediate Rewards
  • Goldilocks Rule
  • Accountability

FAQ

Q1: What is the 1% Rule in cloud computing?
A1: The 1% Rule emphasizes that small, consistent improvements compound over time. If you improve just 1% each day, you'll be 37 times better by the end of the year.

Q2: How can I make cloud learning part of my identity?
A2: Shift your self-talk by stating “I am an aspiring Cloud Engineer” and surround yourself with like-minded individuals to reinforce this identity.

Q3: What do I do if I feel stuck in my learning progress?
A3: Understand that your efforts may not show immediate results. Keep pushing through and be aware that breakthroughs often come after persistent work.

Q4: How can I make learning cloud computing attractive?
A4: Pair your learning sessions with enjoyable activities, such as snacks or interacting with community members on platforms like LinkedIn.

Q5: Why is accountability important in learning cloud computing?
A5: Accountability helps to maintain consistency. Writing down goals, finding a learning partner, and setting check-ins can keep you on track.

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