Recently, I heard Jon Acuff admit that he likes writing and speaking on things that are common sense. I get that. The most important things are often right in front of us, and we don’t even realize it.
In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman gives some advice that should be common sense. But for whatever reason, it’s not the way our schools work or people think.
We all have had the experience of wanting to do something new. Maybe it’s play an instrument or learn a language. We try haphazardly. It’s hard. We feel miserable and give up.
Kaufman’s big idea is that you can develop basic proficiency at anything within 20 hours. All it takes is a strategic approach to skill acquisition.
Figure out what you want to do. Break it down into small parts. Work on those for 20 hours. It’s that simple.
Kaufman’s 10 Principles of Rapid Skill Acquisition are:
1. Choose a lovable project.
2. Focus energy on one skill at a time.
3. Define your target performance level.
4. Deconstruct the skill into sub-skills.
5. Obtain critical tools.
6. Eliminate barriers to practice.
7. Make dedicated time for practice.
8. Create fast feedback loops.
9. Practice by the clock in short bursts.
10. Emphasize quantity and speed.
Kaufman’s short book introduces his argument, and then gives six examples. He walks through learning Windsurfing, Ruby on Rails, Ukelele and more. It will inspire you to begin acquiring a new skill today.
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