How to learn anything fast
This is based on a TED Talk given by Josh Kaufman that claims you don't need 10,000 hours to learn something, but rather 20 to get it mostly good:
The process is such:
How to Learn Anything... Fast (talk by Josh Kaufman)
"The statement, 'it takes 10,000 hours to learn something' is demonstrably not true. We can decide to go from knowing absolutely nothing about any subject, putting a little bit of practice in, and becoming very good in a very short period of time. The research has indicated that it takes about 20 hours, not 10,000 hours."
Step 1 → Decide exactly what you want
"The more clearly and completely you're able to define exactly what you want to be able to do, the easier it will be for you to find ways to accomplish that desired end result as quickly and efficiently as possible."
Step 2 → Deconstruct the skill
"Most skills aren't really just one skill; they're bundles of smaller sub-skills that we use in combination with each other. So instead of trying to learn whatever as a global skill, break it apart into smaller parts, and practice the most important ones."
Step 3 → Research the essentials
"The best approach is to pick three, four, or five resources and skim them. What you're looking for is the ideas that come up over and over and over. That's a very clear indication that those concepts are particularly important. So those are the things that you should know, and you should self-correct as you practice."
Step 4 → Remove the barriers to practice
"Instead of relying on your willpower to force yourself to sit down every single time, use a little bit once and make it easy for yourself to do the thing you want to do. Anything you can do to remove friction in going from wanting to practice to actually getting started is a benefit."
Step 5 → Commit to the 20 hours
"Everybody at the beginning of everything is absolutely horrible. By pre-committing to 20 hours of practice, you are guaranteeing to yourself that you are going to make it through those early frustrating hours where nothing is working."
Bonus:
"It's extremely important to make sure that you aren't distracted by outside forces. Turn off the TV, block the internet, close the door, turn off your phone, and remove the distractions that can take your focus away from whatever it is you're trying to practice."
Image Description
The image is a clear, concise text layout detailing the steps from Josh Kaufman's TED Talk on how to learn anything fast, emphasizing the 20-hour learning journey over the 10,000-hour myth.
Positive Aspects
The image effectively summarizes the main points of Kaufman's talk, making it easy for readers to grasp the essence of each step at a glance. The use of bold headers and clear sections aids in breaking down the process, which aligns well with the deconstruction theme discussed in the content.
Key Takeaways
- Challenge the 10,000-hour Myth: You can learn something effectively in just 20 hours with focused effort.
- Define Your Goal: Clearly articulate what you want to learn to streamline your learning process.
- Break Down Skills: Deconstruct the overall skill into manageable sub-skills for targeted practice.
- Focus on Essentials: Research and focus on the most repeated, essential concepts.
- Minimize Distractions: Create an environment conducive to learning by eliminating distractions.
Additional Insights
The idea of learning something quickly by committing to just 20 hours is liberating. It breaks down the daunting task of mastering a new skill into achievable chunks. Think of it like binge-watching a season of your favorite show—just a few dedicated sessions, and you're done! Embrace this approach with a sense of curiosity and experimentation, and you might find yourself picking up new hobbies or skills more frequently.
