Describe the specific knowledge that you are trying to acquire. Write down your purpose for wanting to master the subject. On a blank sheet of paper do a brain dump for 15 minutes, writing down as much as you know about the topic. You may surprise yourself by how much you know.
Compile a bibliography of books that could potentially help you to master the subject? List books written by pioneers and subject matter experts. Check the bibliography of books written by pioneers and subject matter experts. Ask colleagues for book recommendations.
With a cursory understanding of the subject: Identify the 10 core concepts/ideas that form the basis of the subject. Clarify the information that you are seeking. Distinguish between ‘must know’ and ‘nice to know’. Write down the questions you are trying to answer.
Inspect the books identified as relevant: Pre-scan the book. Read the preface, introduction, book description, table of contents, about the author. Find the most relevant passages and record page numbers. By author, record the information that covers each of the 10 core concepts/ideas.
Read and analyze all the information gathered: Distill the information germane to the subject. Distinguish between important and non-essential information. Compare and contrast the information on each of the 10 core concepts/ideas. Interpret the 10 core concepts/ideas.
Search online for a site that offers tests on the subject and take the test. If you cannot find a test online, test yourself. Review and revise your notes. Move around information if you have to.
Determine Which Skills Are Required: Define what specific skills are required. Determine which of those critically needed skills are transferable and which specific ones will need to be learned exactly by a certain time in your timeline.