Learn Anything with Tim Ferriss

In one of my most popular #cjRAW episodes, I talked about How I Learn. In the era where we’re all a bunch of hyphens — as in we’ve all gotta learn not one job but 3, 4, or 5… We’re photographers, designers, entrepreneurs, marketers, and more — all at the same time… How in the hell do we navigate it all? If it sometimes seems overwhelming, then this post if for you.

In short – becoming a master at learning — Life-long learning if you will — is a major, major key to your success. I can say this is true for myself AND many of my world class friends featured in the 30 Days of Genius series on CreativeLive.

As you make your way through those 30 knowledge-packed episodes of 30 Days of Genius… you have a crazy amount to learn FROM… But how to package this for real results? How best to get the most out of these episodes? In pursuit of the answers to those questions, I asked the guy who literally wrote the book on accelerated learning, none other than, Mr.Tim Ferriss. In this episode of #cjRAW, Tim breaks down his method for rapid learning of any skill into 4 stages: DSSS

Deconstruct

First, identify what specifically you want to accomplish. Be SPECIFIC. Then start asking questions. Check google or ask experts: who is good at this that shouldn’t be. Tim’s point is that there will always be the folks who are naturally good at something. Those folks could be succeeding despite poor training habits. Instead, look people who are mastering their skill in spite of natural ability. It’s very likely they are overcoming shortcomings with good training.

Selection

The next phase involves looking at the many different ways you could train for your goal and selecting the 20% of things that will get you 80% there. Optimize your time by spending it on the few critical things that will make the most difference.

Sequencing

Tim calls this the most ignored secret sauce. The key to accelerated learning is to create a logical progression to learn a skill. For each component, ask yourself: what are the prerequisites to this skill? Think of it technically, physically, and even emotionally and create an order in which you will focus on them.

Stakes

Lastly, give yourself incentives / consequences / accountability to make it stick. This is critical when learning the skill is not critical to your daily life. Life will take over, and you need something that will keep you on track. An example of this might be a betting pool where you pay someone money if you miss a workout.

At the close of the episode, Tim gives 3 easy steps you can do RIGHT NOW to get the most out of 30 Days of Genius or anything you’re learning. And they’re gold.

That’s it! Much gratitude to all of you who have shared 30 Days of Genius with your communities, commented on the social channels, and graced us with amazing reviews. We want to reach as many people as possible with these incredible insights and what (literally) helps make these possible is spreading the word, and reaching millions of people.

That would not be possible without your help – so thank you for contributing / sharing.