Simple notes on Learning Something New:

Simple notes on Learning Something New:

I watched as some experts learned new skills, took some rough notes, and then deconstructed how they did it.

1. Break into simple basic segments or components. Make the complex simple discrete steps.

2. Learn the fundamentals – what makes that skill function. What is the essence of the skill, what makes it successful or not successful.

3. 80/20 rule – what are the crucial skills that will achieve success in the skill. 20 % of the skills will in turn make up 80% of the output. What is that key 20% in terms of skills.

4. Take those fundamental skills and reference them to skills and knowledge you already know or have. What is the skill and what do you know today that gives you a head start in learning the skill.

5. Create measureables  – How do you know you succeeded, nothing vague, everything measured and progrss proven. One or two measures, and they can be as simple as pass/ fail.

6. Document and review progress. Take notes, write what you tried and worked or what did not work so you and see where you stand.

7. Find experts, find examples to follow of people who have done it. History and the world is full of people who have succeeded at what you are trying to do. Copy them, learn from them. As Picasso said, the mediocre borrow but genius steals.

8. Immerse yourself in the skill, the practice, put the time in.

9. Create drills  – deliberate practice, create drills that allow you to practice key skills over and over.