The problem this solves
“I'm trying to learn something I'm not ready for. How do I approach it?”
Primary keyword: very hard topic
What you'll learn
- Find a gentler version of the same topic
- Pre-load the prerequisites
- Use worked examples before you go alone
- A two-week ramp plan
The science behind it: Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice is structured, focused effort aimed at improving a specific aspect of performance, with immediate feedback and progressive difficulty.
Why it matters
It is the form of practice that produces expert performance; mere repetition, no matter how much, does not.
How to apply it
- Identify the weakest component of your current performance and design exercises around it.
- Seek immediate feedback for every attempt.
- Increase difficulty just beyond your current level, not far beyond it.
Common mistakes
- Practising what you are already good at because it feels good.
- Practising without feedback and assuming improvement.
- Confusing hours of repetition with hours of deliberate practice.
Read the full concept: Deliberate Practice.
Where this fits
Part of module Difficulty and Deep Work.
More articles in this module
- What Is Deliberate Practice? : what is deliberate practice in real life
- Design a Deliberate Practice Session : deliberate practice session
- Use Productive Struggle : productive struggle
- Build Frustration Tolerance : how to build frustration tolerance
- What to Do When You Hit a Wall : stuck on a hard topic for weeks