REVIEW: "The art of learning" - is it possible to achieve success in everything

Have you ever found it strange our habit of dividing our life into two periods: study and work? What kind of adult life is it in which you don't need to study and you only need to work? I don’t want that kind of life, and I’m sure you don’t want it either. I love to study, despite the fact that at the university this desire was almost discouraged.

And while I can still feel the implications of the concept of “work, not learn” on myself, Josh Weitzkin's The Art of Learning can fix that.

Does the author's biography impress you? Me - very much. This is not so much about specific tournaments and medals, but about the fact that Vaitskin has achieved tremendous success in two areas at once: chess and martial arts, that is, in two completely different areas. Who, if not this person, can talk about how to learn?

Down with your comfort zone

Just as muscle development requires regular exercise, strong opponents give an extra boost to an athlete's growth.

Weitzkin gives a lot of advice on how to learn. However, you should not think that he will talk about the magic rule that will allow you to sit and do nothing, while knowledge will automatically flow into your head. This does not happen, study is a rather long and difficult task.

The key to success in this difficult task is the rejection of static and comfort zone. Think of the hermit crab. When he grows up, he needs a bigger shell, and he goes in search of it. At this time, he becomes very vulnerable to predators and it is in his own interest to find new housing as soon as possible. Otherwise, death.

Of course, you should not, like a hermit crab, put everything on the line, however, giving up some comfort and safety will not hurt. Want to learn to swim? Go to the pool and try! Reading books about swimming theory will not be superfluous, but immersion in the environment and the lack of choice will help you learn tens, hundreds of times faster.

Errors and failures

How many times have we written that mistakes are not dead ends, but rather twists and turns on the road to success. However, these words do not make it easier, and mistakes are still perceived as a huge blow to one's own ego. The situation is even worse with defeats. Losing is a very cruel thing.

How often have you met people who say that the main thing is not the result, but the participation? However, such phrases are just an attempt to avoid the bitterness of defeat. But here's what many people don't think about: failure is the best lesson to learn on the road to success. You have the opportunity to learn from your own experience how not to do it, what you can do differently and how to act in a given situation.

Disappointments and failures will become constant companions on your road to success and fame, and only your ability to withstand them will prove that you are worth something. As an example, I would like to cite Elon Musk, who was able to rise after four crushing defeats in his business. Managed to rise and become one of the most successful people on the planet.

Take action

If you want to be mediocre, you can skip this point. Although I cannot imagine a single person who does not want to get better every day.

Imagine being fired from your job. You can send your resume to employers and wait for their response for days, weeks or months, motivating yourself that you have already done everything you could. But there is a second way out - to perceive the dismissal as a defeat, but remember that defeat is an opportunity to plunge into something new. Any trauma or defeat is much easier to survive if you do not give up and make them a push forward.

Look for a mentor

After just a few hours of working together, I got the feeling that he knew me better than anyone else in my entire life. It was like playing chess with Yoda. Vaytskin about his coach

Self-improvement consists of two components. The first concerns the attitude towards learning. and the second is the efficiency of execution. In both areas, a good mentor can give you a lot. You will still be wrong, but at the same time, you will have the opportunity to get advice from someone who knows why you were wrong and how to fix it. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, sometimes they mean too much to neglect.

Schedule

In the chapter “The Mechanism of Transition to the Comfort Zone,” Vaitskin recalls the person who approached him with a problem. This man, let's call him Dennis, couldn't concentrate on his work. He asked to find a "button" that can turn on the body and the brain, allowing it to work as efficiently as possible.

Dennis, like each of us, was helped by the answer to a simple question: "What do you like to do?" For example, he liked to play ball with his son and listen to the music of Bob Dylan. Together with Weizikn, they worked out the following sequence, which he tried to do every day:

Small snack - 10 minutes.
Meditation - 15 minutes
Exercise - 10 minutes.
Listening to Bob Dylan songs - 10 minutes.
Playing a ball with my son.

Each of these activities was completely natural and enjoyable. A month later, Dennis revealed that he feels much better in meetings and in stressful situations. His concentration and efficiency problems disappeared.

Practice these sequences as often as possible. Of course, you don't have to listen to Bob Dylan and meditate. But if you find activities that you enjoy doing and spend some time on them, you will notice how you get better.

Summarizing:

Do not be afraid of mistakes and defeats.
Take action and don't look for excuses.
Avoid getting stuck in your comfort zone and keep moving forward.

The Art of Learning is a book that can turn your life upside down. On one small condition: you read it and start acting. Next time you find excuses for not doing anything, think of Josh Weitzkin. A person who is no different from any of us, but who was able to achieve incredible success. Remember and start to act!