We often find ourselves longing to learn new skills, inspired by the expertise and grace with which experts in various fields demonstrate their abilities.
However, the fear of being overwhelmed by the amount of study material and practice time required can discourage us from even starting.
The widely circulated notion that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill further adds to our apprehension.
But here’s the good news:
Josh Kaufman, author of “The First 20 Hours:
How to Learn Anything… Fast!” challenges this belief and offers a practical approach to acquiring new skills.
In this blog post, we will explore his four-step method, which can help you learn a new skill in just 20 hours.
Step 1:
Deconstruct the Skill: The first step in acquiring any skill is to break it down into its sub-skills.
For example, if you want to learn to play the piano, identify the specific elements involved, such as hand placement, reading sheet music, and finger coordination. By deconstructing the skill, you gain a clear understanding of its components, making it easier to focus your efforts effectively.
Step 2:
Learn Just Enough to Self-Correct and Begin Practicing:
Contrary to spending excessive time on theory or tutorials, the key here is to acquire enough knowledge to self-correct your practice sessions.
Look for resources that provide essential information and guidance on the sub-skills you identified in the previous step. Remember, the goal is to start practicing as soon as possible rather than aiming for perfection from the beginning.
Step 3:
Remove Practice Barriers and Distractions: To make the most of your practice sessions, it’s important to eliminate distractions and create an environment conducive to learning.
Find a quiet space where you can focus without interruptions. Turn off your phone or any other potential distractions.
By minimizing external disturbances, you allow yourself to fully engage in deliberate practice, which enhances your learning progress.
Step 4:
Practice for at Least 20 Hours: Commit to spending a minimum of 20 hours practicing the specific skill you want to acquire.
Dedicate regular time slots to practice, ideally in short but focused sessions. Consistency is key here. Embrace the initial challenges and persist through them, knowing that improvement will come with time.
By investing 20 hours of deliberate practice, you can achieve significant progress and see tangible results.
Conclusion
Learning new skills may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it becomes an achievable goal. Overcoming the emotional barrier of feeling incompetent is crucial in the early stages of skill acquisition.
By following Josh Kaufman’s four-step method—deconstructing the skill, learning enough to self-correct, removing distractions, and practicing for 20 hours—you can make remarkable strides toward acquiring the skills you desire.
Remember, the focus should be on reaching a level of proficiency that serves your purpose, rather than aiming for mastery. So, embark on your learning journey, embrace the process, and enjoy the rewards of your efforts