First 20 Hours

Josh Kaufman

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Forget the "10,000 hour rule"... what if it's possible to learn any new skill in 20 hours or less? 

Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What's on your list? What's holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills - time you don't have and effort you can't spare? 
Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? 

To make matters worse, the early hours of practicing something new are always the most frustrating. That's why it's difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It's so much easier to watch TV or surf the web... 

In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition: how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct complex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By completing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you'll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. 

This method isn't theoretical: it's field-tested. Kaufman invites readers to join him as he field tests his approach by learning to program a Web application, play the ukulele, practice yoga, re-learn to touch type, get the hang of windsurfing, and study the world's oldest and most complex board game. 

What do you want to learn?

What will you learn from this book

  1. Focused Practice: Focus your efforts on deliberate practice, dedicating concentrated time and attention to learning specific skills efficiently.

  2. Deconstruct the Skill: Break down the skill you want to learn into manageable parts, focusing on mastering the most essential elements first before moving on to more complex aspects.

  3. Set Clear Goals: Define clear and achievable goals for your learning process, such as specific milestones or outcomes you want to accomplish within the first 20 hours of practice.

  4. Eliminate Distractions: Minimize distractions and create a conducive learning environment that allows you to stay focused, motivated, and engaged in your practice sessions.

  5. Use Effective Learning Techniques: Employ effective learning techniques such as spaced repetition, active recall, visualization, and interleaved practice to enhance retention and mastery of the skill.

  6. Seek Feedback: Seek feedback from experienced practitioners or mentors to identify areas for improvement, receive guidance, and accelerate your learning progress.

  7. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to learning quickly and effectively, so practice regularly and consistently to reinforce your skills and build proficiency over time.

  8. Embrace Mistakes: Embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement, analyzing errors to understand where you can make adjustments and refine your approach.

  9. Stay Motivated: Maintain motivation and enthusiasm for learning by focusing on the benefits and rewards of mastering the skill, celebrating small victories, and staying committed to your learning journey.

  10. Iterate and Refine: Continuously iterate and refine your learning process based on feedback, experience, and results, adjusting your approach as needed to optimize your learning outcomes.

Language English
ISBN-10 0670921920
ISBN-13 9780670921928
No of pages 274
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Penguin Books
Published Date 28 Aug 2014

About Author

Author : Josh Kaufman

2 Books

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