Alex, you raise a good point.Thinking long term is something I'll work on more.
Iam2, your point about making the information just a means of getting somewhere is an excellent point also.
I've thought back on instances where I've had to learn something, and I've done it well.
I have always learned something when I truly have an end in sight, or more to the point, a purpose, a goal, whatever.
In fact, not an end, a new beginning.
These instances of learning are a great insight.Like Iam2 says, the things you have to learn come easily when they aren't the main point.
I know that my problem at the moment is that I have a million details to learn and I'm swamped in them.I can't see a way out.
My purpose at present is that "my course says that I have to know all these details in order to pass"
That's a stupid purpose.
My purpose should be "My purpose is to reach this stage in my studies and to gain a be able to accomplish these goals."
Anyway, something like that.Taking the emphasis off detail and seeing the bigger picture is what I know I need to do.
This interests me greatly and I'd love to hear more examples of peoples "Purposes"
I'm going to keep working at this.
Thanks for your advice, it helps me greatly 
