The times I really learned something, was almost always when I had let the issue go. To where I dont know, maybe there is a sea of knowledge somewhere; like the atlantic sea but in energy form.
Then, when doing something else, especially when I had a creative moment or perhaps just was open for it; the answer came to me easily.
As soon as I chase something, it seems as if the knowledge is resistant; wont reveal itself:)
-Like a cat chasing its tail, it slips away every time.
The stepping stones is a good analogy, as I would never be ready for what I know today, only 10 years back.