I have long since come to grips with the reality that learning something is going to take some time. It is a challenge to put up with that time sink if what I'm learning is merely an intermediate step between now and a point in the future when I can do this third thing that requires that I understand something first. This is because the goal doesn't feel like it is getting closer while I'm wasting my time learning how to use a tool or technique for example.

That said, I have experienced many times where learning the tool or technique along the way to getting something done has been rewarded in a better outcome in the goal or a bit of knowledge that was applicable elsewhere. I use those memories of those rewards to mitigate the feelings of impatience or frustration with the time investment.