Get Better at Anything

Learning a skill effectively isn’t about what you learn, but how you learn it.

1. Learn from the Best by Watching

Observing experts gives you insights into how a skill is perfected. By seeing professionals in action, you get to understand not just the outcome but also the process they follow. This approach demystifies high-level skills and makes them feel attainable.

Research shows that humans are wired to replicate behavior. For instance, when Tetris players had access to expert playthroughs on YouTube, they quickly learned advanced techniques like the T-spin maneuver which was previously unknown to many. Watching others’ methodologies saves time by providing a ready-made solution map instead of figuring it out from scratch.

The educational psychologist John Sweller proved this further in his experiments where students given worked examples performed better than those trying to solve problems on their own. The structured approach of copying from examples frees up mental capacity for deeper learning.

Examples

• Tetris players improving by studying expert gameplay on YouTube.
• Students solving algebra better with step-by-step examples.
• An aspiring painter learning techniques by watching Bob Ross videos.

2. Save Brain Space with Structure

We only have limited cognitive power at any given moment. Organizing new information into manageable chunks helps us remember and process it effectively. Think of memory as a filing system—neatly labeled folders are much easier to retrieve than scattered papers.

When random letters like “N U H F L B S A I” are grouped as acronyms such as “FBI NHL USA,” they become easier to remember. Similarly, when introducing complex ideas, breaking them into simpler components allows learners to grasp them without feeling overwhelmed.

Pretraining is another useful technique: focus on isolated components of a new skill rather than trying to learn everything simultaneously. Gradually building complexity mirrors how our brain naturally processes and stores information, ensuring steady progress.

Examples

• NASA abbreviating complex terms to improve astronaut memory.
• Sports coaches teaching athletes one move at a time before integrating them into a full game plan.
• Students learning music by mastering scales before tackling full compositions.

3. Copy First, Innovate Later

Copying isn't cheating; it’s a stepping stone. In the early stages of learning, mimicking helps you understand the basics and build a strong foundation. Once you master the foundational elements, you can branch out and add your own creative touch.

Sweller’s algebra experiment found that students who started with worked examples were better prepared for advanced problems later. The same concept applies to skills like cooking—following a recipe teaches you technique which you can later adapt to create your own dishes.

Imitating experts also reduces initial errors. Instead of stumbling through trial and error, you model your actions on proven strategies, making the learning process faster and less frustrating.

Examples

• A budding chef following Gordon Ramsay’s recipes before developing original dishes.
• Writers studying Shakespeare or Hemingway to develop their voice.
• Chess players replaying famous games to learn critical strategies.

4. Practice Produces Mastery

Quantity beats quality in the learning stage. The more you practice, the faster you improve. Every attempt teaches you something new, and repetition cements those lessons into habit.

Picasso created over 13,000 paintings, compared to da Vinci's modest count of 24. Researchers found that those who produced more creative work, like prolific scientists publishing papers, were also the ones with the best contributions in their fields.

Practice also builds confidence and uncovers new methods to improve. Working consistently allows serendipitous discoveries, such as Thomas Edison’s iterative process that eventually led to the invention of the light bulb.

Examples

• A writer producing hundreds of drafts before publishing a bestseller.
• A basketball player shooting hoops daily to refine their aim.
• A programmer solving coding challenges repeatedly to improve logic.

5. Treat Ideas Like Fruit

Ideas ripen over time. Acting on an idea too soon might lead to incomplete or flawed results. Sometimes, the best results come from letting thoughts mature before sharing or acting on them.

For example, a novelist might envision a compelling protagonist but lacks a suitable conflict. Waiting until all the pieces fall into place makes the idea stronger. Similarly, scientists often mull over theories for years before conducting experiments, ensuring they account for all variables.

By resisting the urge to rush, you can develop well-rounded, impactful creations that stand the test of time.

Examples

• Posting social media content only after a thoughtful review process.
• An inventor testing dozens of prototypes before launching a product.
• A stand-up comedian crafting jokes for months before performing them on stage.

6. Cut Out Distractions

Focus accelerates learning. Devoting uninterrupted time to a skill helps you make leaps in performance. Conversely, juggling non-essential tasks can eat away valuable practice time.

Nobel laureates report being less productive after winning their prize due to increased media demands. Similarly, multitasking reduces efficiency. Setting boundaries ensures your mental energy is directed towards meaningful work.

Blocking out distractions, whether from social media, emails, or unrelated errands, creates a space where your mind can immerse itself completely in learning.

Examples

• Writers turning off Wi-Fi to stay productive.
• CEOs delegating minor tasks to focus on strategic thinking.
• An athlete avoiding social commitments to stick to their training schedule.

7. Feedback Fuels Growth

Continuous feedback ensures that mistakes get corrected and techniques get refined. Without it, you might keep repeating the same errors or stagnate at a basic level.

Tiger Woods famously reengineered his golf swing, going through periods of poor performance to eventually win more tournaments. Seeking external feedback from mentors or peers ensures an objective view of your progress.

This process not only improves skills but also reveals blind spots. Learning to listen to others’ observations and adapt accordingly turns weaknesses into strengths.

Examples

• Students improving test scores after teacher feedback.
• A violinist adjusting technique based on their instructor’s comments.
• TikTok creators analyzing data to refine their content.

8. Unlearning Opens New Paths

Sometimes, success comes from letting go of old approaches. Clinging to habits can limit you, while unlearning outdated methods creates room for better strategies.

Woods unlearned his natural hip motion because it hindered his precision. Similarly, creatives who revise their foundational techniques often achieve breakthroughs that set them apart.

Unlearning requires deliberate effort and may feel uncomfortable. However, confronting flaws fosters growth and positions you for long-term success.

Examples

• A programmer learning a new language after abandoning one they had mastered.
• A teacher trying new classroom strategies even after years of success.
• A business backpacker adopting remote work methods after trading traditional offices.

9. Challenge Old Mindsets

Constraints force creativity. Setting artificial limits can break automatic habits and encourage fresh perspectives. Forcing yourself out of comfort zones stretches thinking in unusual ways.

For instance, limiting your color palette as a painter can inspire new techniques. Similarly, writers trying to compose without specific words often find poetic loopholes they never expected.

Imposing these “game rules” can renew your enthusiasm and prevent stagnation in your skill development journey.

Examples

• Designers creating minimalist websites with a single font.
• Game developers building projects with limited resources.
• Musicians performing songs acapella after years of relying on instruments.

Takeaways

1. Watch experts in your chosen field and study their methods for insights into best practices.
2. Break big challenges into smaller tasks to save mental energy and learn more efficiently.
3. Seek external, constructive feedback to refine your skills and uncover areas for improvement.