How to learn a new skill as fast as humanly possible.
The 20-hour rule:
The 20-hour rule:
You've probably heard that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill.
But 10,000 hours is a full time job for 5 years.
You can actually learn something well enough in just 20 hours.
Use this 3-step process:
But 10,000 hours is a full time job for 5 years.
You can actually learn something well enough in just 20 hours.
Use this 3-step process:
1/ Imagine disaster
Attempting to develop a new skill can be overwhelming.
Imagine your target performance to reduce that feeling.
Picture yourself in a situation using that skill in the next 3 weeks.
Imagine that situation being a complete disaster.
Attempting to develop a new skill can be overwhelming.
Imagine your target performance to reduce that feeling.
Picture yourself in a situation using that skill in the next 3 weeks.
Imagine that situation being a complete disaster.
Example:
Want to learn a new language?
Imagine yourself stuck in that country without help.
You need to learn:
β’ Introductions
β’ Common phrases
β’ How to structure sentences
By imagining disaster you come up with a list of sub-skills to work on.
Want to learn a new language?
Imagine yourself stuck in that country without help.
You need to learn:
β’ Introductions
β’ Common phrases
β’ How to structure sentences
By imagining disaster you come up with a list of sub-skills to work on.
2/ Know just enough
Now you know what to do, you need to learn how to do it.
People spend too much time studying and too little time practicing.
The purpose of studying a skill before doing it is to know if you're doing something wrong and how to fix it.
Now you know what to do, you need to learn how to do it.
People spend too much time studying and too little time practicing.
The purpose of studying a skill before doing it is to know if you're doing something wrong and how to fix it.
Example:
How to shoot a 3 pointer?
1. Spend a few minutes watching a collection of high rated YouTube videos
2. Find a consensus on proper technique, learn how to self-correct
3. Go practice
To point out where you're going wrong, use:
β’ Coaches
β’ Mentors
β’ Software
How to shoot a 3 pointer?
1. Spend a few minutes watching a collection of high rated YouTube videos
2. Find a consensus on proper technique, learn how to self-correct
3. Go practice
To point out where you're going wrong, use:
β’ Coaches
β’ Mentors
β’ Software
3/ Struggle and sleep
Break down your practice sessions into short bursts separated by sleep.
Practice doesnβt make perfect.
Practice with a night of sleep makes perfect.
The next day youβre 20-30x better at your skill compared to the end of practice the day before.
Break down your practice sessions into short bursts separated by sleep.
Practice doesnβt make perfect.
Practice with a night of sleep makes perfect.
The next day youβre 20-30x better at your skill compared to the end of practice the day before.
Example:
Want to become better at chess?
Your brain only bothers to upgrade your abilities during sleep if you struggle during the day.
Playing with higher rated players and analysing your game leads to struggle.
Rapid improvement = Short bursts of struggle + Sleep
Want to become better at chess?
Your brain only bothers to upgrade your abilities during sleep if you struggle during the day.
Playing with higher rated players and analysing your game leads to struggle.
Rapid improvement = Short bursts of struggle + Sleep
TL;DR:
1/ Imagine disaster
2/ Know just enough
3/ Struggle and sleep
1/ Imagine disaster
2/ Know just enough
3/ Struggle and sleep
You can now quickly acquire a new skill in just 20 hours.
The source of this thread:
The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman.
A book I highly recommend you read.
The source of this thread:
The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman.
A book I highly recommend you read.
Follow me @thealexbanks for more threads to help you in business and life.
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