In her TED talk, Barbara Oakley, professor of engineering at Oakland University, talked about “learning how to learn without procrastinating”. Here’s how to go about it.

Use mental powers to discover your hidden potential. Says Oakley, “I was a linguist who hated math and science; I had no talent for either topic. Yet, I’m now a professor of engineering. Musicians can become medical doctors. High school dropouts can become college graduates and business executives. People are realising that life-long learning is key not only to career success, but also to a happier and healthier life.”

Firstly, start playing action-style video games. Neuroscientific research has shown that these types of games improve the function of key “focusing” areas of the brain, as well as vision. Exercise! Exercise helps promote growth of new neurons, which helps you learn better. Present yourself with new experiences. “Try a different route to work. Variety can help your new neurons to survive, thrive, and make new connections. Start learning a foreign language. You’ll directly boost the areas of the brain that are often most affected by ageing,” says Oakley.

When you “reward” yourself, it helps the brain to rearrange and understand the material that’s been learned.

No matter what your age, new neurons are born every day in your hippocampus. Developing a learning lifestyle helps those new neurons to survive, which allows you to maintain mental sharpness. If you want to have a sharp mind until age 90 and beyond, just keep learning.

Persistence is key. Don’t ever give up too easy.