Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything

Trying to read more quickly is not the way to read more effectively. If you try to increase your reading speed beyond what feels natural, your comprehension will suffer. Preview the text before reading it in detail. Seeing the big picture allows you to make sense of and remember the details. Avoid passive rereading. Practice active recall. As you r

When you’re in this mode, your brain can connect different thoughts and ideas in a way that it can’t while in the focused mode, which is busy suppressing everything except what you are focusing on. That’s the reason that people get ideas and fresh insights when they go for a walk or take a shower.

reading is difficult, it’s best to pause and try to recall after each page of what you’re reading.

Try to prioritize and at least pick up the main points. Don’t try to assimilate every little detail. Instead, just put in the time you can doing your best at improving your mastery.

The one caveat is that this technique only works if you’ve studied for the assignment or test—your diffuse drone needs preexisting chunks of knowledge or information so it can connect them together.

Motivation is not something you either have or don’t have—it can be created, strengthened, and maintained using different techniques. The best way to motivate yourself will vary, depending on the cause of your low motivation. It’s therefore wise to try different strategies. Remind yourself of all the benefits of completing tasks. Reward yourself fo

Acronyms

Forming a study group is a great way to facilitate learning and stay motivated. Discussing the study material and hearing what others think can give insight into the key points of the material.

To think of a metaphor, simply ask yourself, “What does this remind me of or resemble?”

material. But don’t just write a vague abstract summary, such as “identifies different types of leaves.” Instead, be concrete: “5 types of leaf edges: entire = smooth; sinuate = curves/waves…”