Self-Improvement Archives

Is 10,000 Hours of Practice Enough to Master a Skill?

Can practice override talent? Is it true that to master a skill, you need to put in 10,000 hours of practice? Although we tend to think of practice as an equalizer, having the time to practice enough to master a skill is a luxury afforded only to the privileged. In fact, there are studies that show that the most masterful individuals in their fields have practiced their craft for at least 10,000 hours, which averages nearly 20 hours every week for 10 years. Here’s why practice is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to skill mastery.

How to Learn Effectively: 4 Tips to Maximize Study

Do you know how to learn effectively? What are some practical study habits you can use to learn more? In their book Learning How to Learn, Oakley and Sejnowski explain how neural pathways are created in your brain. Then they suggest four learning strategies that take advantage of the way your brain stores information: embracing a multisensory learning style, making up metaphors, skimming books first, and diversifying your studies. Keep reading for details on these strategies.

Scatterfocus: The Benefits of Letting Your Mind Wander

What is “scatterfocus”? What are the benefits of letting your mind be in the scatterfocus state? “Scatterfocus” is intentional mind-wandering—letting your mind roam free without any point of focus. According to Chris Bailey, the author of Hyperfocus, practicing “scatterfocus” can actually help you improve your ability to focus your attention. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of intentional mind-wandering, why you resist it, and why you should do it anyway.

The 4 Steps for Developing Autonomy in Adults

How does childhood conditioning shape our behavior in adulthood? Is it possible to shake off the weight of early conditioning? Childhood conditioning often weighs on people even in their adult years. This conditioning may leave some adults feeling like they don’t have the power to make their own choices in life. Luckily, this is a behavior growth obstacle that can be overcome. Here are four steps for developing autonomy in adults, according to psychiatrist Eric Berne.

Common Logical Fallacies, Errors, and Biases

What are some of the most common logical fallacies? Why do these fallacies occur? There are two main kinds of thinking: fast and instinctive, and slow and logical. Both play important roles, but both cause logical fallacies when used in the wrong situation. Here are some of the most common logical fallacies that come from using the wrong kind of thinking.

How to Study Efficiently: 4 Ways to Aid Neuron Growth

What are some practical ways to study more efficiently? What study habits can help your brain perform better? Authors Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski explain how neurons work in your brain and how stronger synapses make it easier to recall information. Then they discuss four study habits you can use to promote neuron growth: exercising between study sessions, testing yourself with active recall, practicing spaced repetition, and getting enough sleep. Keep reading for details on how to study efficiently.

How to Embrace Courageous Leadership

What does it mean to lead courageously? Where is the fine line between courageous and reckless leadership? Leadership requires striking a balance between action and risk management. In other words, you must find a way to rush toward your goal as ruthlessly as possible while maintaining the presence of mind to guard against careless mistakes. To do so, you need to find the right amount of courage. Here’s how to embrace courageous leadership while erring on the side of caution.

Leveraging Memory: 2 Learning Strategies for Students

Would you like to learn more, faster? How can you make the best use of your brain’s memory capacity when you study? Your memory capacity is limited. It takes up mental space and energy. Learning How to Learn authors Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski share two study tips that help you leverage your memory capacity. Keep reading for two learning strategies for students.

Learning How to Learn: Barbara Oakley’s Bestseller

What is Learning How to Learn about? Can it help you learn anything effectively? In Learning How to Learn, Barbara Oakley asserts that anyone can master any subject by applying good study techniques. You don’t have to be gifted or have natural abilities in a particular subject to excel at it. And Oakley should know: She failed math in high school, but later overcame her fear of numbers and eventually earned a doctorate degree in engineering. Keep reading to learn more about this best-selling book.

Spending More Than You Earn = A Lifetime of Poverty

Do you ever make purchases even though you know they will put you in debt? Do you know how spending more than you earn can affect you for years to come? In his book The Millionaire Fastlane, MJ DeMarco discusses insatiable consumption, or the never-ending desire to spend money. While spending money isn’t fundamentally a bad thing, if you spend more than you earn, you are dooming yourself to a lifetime of poverty. Here’s why you should think twice before buying things you don’t need.