Spacing the Learning Out - When and Why!

Momentum? Or Integration? Finding the right time for each.

I was speaking at an event on strategies to recognize and address natural learning bias in the workplace when a tired hand wobbled up.

“This seems really important, but I’m just so tired. We are always learning. When can we just do our job?”

Fair point. When you’re that full, it’s time for integration. Space. Time.

If you’re learning a skill by rote, learning designers would suggest distributed learning, or spacing it out. We know this instinctively, as studying across time is always going to help knowledge stick better than cramming in information last minute.

But we somehow miss this same idea when learning novel skills.

The workplace relentlessly demands new skills or new situations. Learn that software system yesterday. Change that process by next week. Learn a new way of thinking so you can immediately (and successfully!) apply it after a 3-day workshop. While it’s possible for our brains to perform at that speed, these changes will only stick if we create spaces at the right times to integrate.

Our brains learn fast. Our integrated whole beings learn slowly.
New neural pathways can only be built as a whole being.

Here’s the super easy test:

• Excited and curious? Keep up the momentum!

• Tired and resistant? Get some space and integrate for a bit.

Sometimes a pause is frustrating. People say, “that broke my momentum, and now I have to start over.” Other times, that pause feels essential and we hear, “this gives me time to reflect, integrate, and deepen my learning.” So, what’s the difference?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule about when to prioritize momentum or integration, but there is a pattern. Momentum is more important early in the skill acquisition process, while integration becomes crucial later.

In the early stages, the focus is on rapidly absorbing new knowledge and building frameworks. Momentum is key here because it keeps ideas fresh and helps you connect them into meaningful patterns. This is where fast-paced learning environments—like ensembles, workshops, or intensive training sessions—really shine. They create opportunities for learners to engage with curiosity and piece things together in real-time.

Later on, skill acquisition shifts toward grounded experience. At this stage, learners are testing ideas, discovering what works (and what doesn’t), and adapting their knowledge to fit their specific context. This process requires deep integration, and taking pauses becomes invaluable. Reflection, experimentation, and adapting lessons to real-world scenarios demand time and space. A coach can help guide this process, but the complexity of these layers means learners need time to fully integrate their understanding.

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It’s been thrilling to see the notification sign-ups for my Green Path Masterclass! Progress is being made for a Spring offering … stay tuned, and please add your name if you haven’t already!