The Art of Quick Learning: Strategies to Learn Anything Faster and Remember More
The Art of Quick Learning: Strategies to Learn Anything Faster and Remember More
Curated, Science-Driven Insights into the Brain.
Hello everyone,
I hope this message finds you in high spirits and good health. Lately, I've embarked on a new adventure of learning boxing (only hitting the bag, I’m not planning to box or hit another human). It's been a series of throwing punches with gusto, enduring the sting of red, sore hands, and meticulously tuning the alignment of my wrists, feet, and shoulders with every single jab and cross. The journey has been rigorous but rewarding, as I find myself slipping into a deeply satisfying flow state with each practice session.
This newfound passion sparked this Newsletter's theme: exploring how our brains learn and how to boost that process. Happy learning!
The Art of Quick Learning: Strategies to Learn Anything Faster and Remember More
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
Benjamin Franklin
Have you found yourself grappling with a new language, musical instrument, or the latest technology, reminiscing how your younger self may have tackled such challenges with greater ease? The struggle to absorb fresh knowledge may leave you questioning your brain's capacity, compared to its heyday. Yet, understanding the brain's learning mechanisms can not only be fascinating, it can help you learn new things faster.
Contrary to the 'Hollywood learning' concept showcased in movies like 'The Matrix'—where skills are instantaneously 'downloaded' into the brain—real-world learning is a physical experience. It's a complex relationship involving our muscles, nervous system, and a brain in constant flux. Each skill we master is intertwined with our unique physiology at that very moment. Learning something new literally changes your brain, so here is the thing, instant learning would need to also change your brain.
While you can't simply download expertise, guidance from a skilled mentor can streamline learning , offering a semblance of something approaching a 'brain download'. Remember, the key to proficiency is not just practice, but also learning through mistakes. It's a process that is as complex and unique as you are.
“Remember, the key to proficiency is not just practice but also learning through mistakes. It's a process that is as complex and unique as you are.”
The Myth and Reality of Mastery
The 10,000-hour rule, largely popularised by Malcolm Gladwell (who wrote this as a guide only), suggests that practicing something for 10,000 hours will make you a master. However, learning isn't linear like that. The path to expertise is not just about time; it's also shaped by passion, resilience, the frequency of mistakes, attention to those mistakes, and the often-overlooked importance of memory consolidation during restful periods like sleep.
Let’s take for example learning to drive a car. Initially, when learning a new skill, one progresses from being 'unconsciously incompetent' (not knowing what you don't know) to 'consciously incompetent' (recognising your lack of skill). With practice, a person becomes 'consciously competent', able to perform tasks with awareness and effort, and ultimately reaches 'unconsciously competent', performing tasks effortlessly. Remember the last time you drove home from work, unless you were driving an unusual route, you were probably on ‘auto pilot’ for most of the drive.
Celebrating Errors: A New Perspective on Failure
Errors, are not just inevitable but essential. They signal to the brain to adapt and improve. There is an 'optimal error rate'—around 15-20%—as a sweet spot that challenges without discouraging learners, transforming learning into an invigorating journey similar to gaming, where each setback is just another level to conquer.
Google X, the tech giant's ambitious research hub, was spotlighted for its culture of embracing failure. Google X is where high-risk, high-reward ventures are undertaken with the expectation that the majority will fail. Only ideas that are a minimum of ten times better than existing solutions are pursued in this 'moon-shot factory', where failure is not only anticipated but celebrated. Celebratory failure parties are the norm, viewed as one step closer to success. The key to making learning addictive and fun, like in a video game, is to find a way to enjoy the failures.
Neuro Hacks for Learning
Mind Your Physiology
You practice and practice, go to bed and get your 7-8 hours of good sleep. Now consider waking up the next day to nailing a guitar tune, or whichever activity you were practising the day before. That's right, your learning solidifies and depends during sleep, that’s thanks to REM sleep, your brain's covert tutor that polishes skills while you're in dreamland.
Also, it’s important not to over-practice something. Practising too much can hurt learning!
Finally, don't overlook the brain-boosting power of exercise. Hitting the pavement for a run isn't just for physical health; it also pumps up your hippocampus, enhancing memory and learning abilities.
Mastering the Learning Zone: Entering Flow
Ever been so engrossed in an activity that you forget the world around you? forgot who you were and that time was passing by? That's being in 'flow', the learning zone where everything clicks. In flow, absorbing information and mastering complex concepts can feel effortless. It's where productivity and enjoyment come together in learning. How do you achieve this state? Follow these steps:
A. Balance Challenge and Skill: Look for tasks that are just right for your skill level - challenging but not impossible. They should be hard enough to keep you interested but not so hard that they cause worry - the Goldilocks zone.
B. Cut Down on Interruptions: Set up a place where you can concentrate. This might mean cleaning up your space, wearing headphones to block out noise, or setting aside specific times for focused work.
C. Set Goals and Monitor Your Progress: Be clear about what you want to achieve and keep an eye on how well you're doing. Getting feedback helps you stay in the flow.
D. A different approach is actually to first get into flow by doing something you know gets you in flow fast, gaming, surfing or yes boxing. Then make the switch over to doing the less exciting or more challenging task. The data suggests that once we are in the state of flow, it can carry over to a different activity.
Incorporate these neuro-hacks into your study habits and you might just find yourself learning more efficiently. Happy learning!
Mental Meanderings
Have you experienced how physical exercise or a particular diet seemed to have a direct impact on your cognitive abilities or learning process?
How do you achieve a state of 'flow' during learning or work? What works and what doesn’t?
Curious about the secrets behind my research, captivating keynotes, corporate consulting and exclusive subscriber perks? Visit my website now here!"
