1. Plan ahead.
If you're going to a course, make sure you've got everything you need the night before. This will prevent you from rushing on the day and allow you to stay calm, relaxed and ready for learning.
2. Close your emails if you're watching a webinar.
It's too easy to keep your emails and other background work open while you're watching an online course or webinar. Make a point of closing these whilst you're learning to keep your space free from distractions.
3. Think about what you want to get out of the session.
Take some time, a few hours before your course, to think about what you're looking to learn. Write down a few questions that you want the answers to. This will become a handy checklist while you're in the session and will remind you to ask the speaker if they haven't covered it.
4. Plan some time to review what you've learnt.
We all know that if you don't use it you lose it. After the course, write down a few ways that you will apply what you've learnt. This will help you to retain your new knowledge and use it going forward.
5. Make sure you've got a bottle of water.
Water is essential to keep yourself healthy and to allow your mind to work to the best of its ability. Take some water with you so you can stay hydrated all through the course.