At MIT, I'd be too embarrassed to ask for help when I didn't know or understand something.

At MIT, I'd be too embarrassed to ask for help when I didn't know or understand something. Having to "start all over again" after dropping out of grad school forced me to get comfortable admitting that I didn't know things.

You have to be able to ask for help to get it. Then figure out who to ask for help. Aside from formal instructors / teachers, it's not really anyone's job to help you. Go to your equals first, and then to experts, many who are surprisingly generous and willing to help if you can show that you’re serious about learning.

Finally, know how to ask for help. As the person needing the favor, make it as easy as possible for someone to help you. Provide proper context, state what you’ve already tried, and be specific about what you’re having trouble with. Be concise. Respect their time.

I consider myself to be a student for life, so I’m constantly learning how to be a better one. Learning how to learn is maybe the most important thing anyone can ever learn. Enthusiasm & respect go a long way, and the best way to get more help from someone is to show progress.