How to Apply What You Read

Summary

This video addresses the common issue of consuming content without effectively applying it to real life. The speaker shares a simple, three-step system to tackle this problem: consume content with intent, take focused notes on actionable points, and organize those points in a centralized system (such as Notion) for easy reference. By categorizing ideas into daily, weekly, or one-off tasks, the system helps turn theoretical knowledge into practical habits. The approach emphasizes consistency and ease, aiming to create lasting change without overwhelming effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 Only consume content when you're ready to take notes and apply what you learn.
• 😀 Avoid passive consumption; ensure you are actively engaged when learning.
• 😀 Focus on identifying practical points from the content that can be implemented in your real life.
• 😀 After taking notes, extract the actionable insights and place them in one central location.
• 😀 Organize the practical points into categories (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) for easy reference.
• 😀 Use a simple tool like Notion (or any similar app) to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
• 😀 Set up two distinct sections: one for one-off tasks (like checking out a free course) and another for recurring habits.
• 😀 Make it easy to track your progress by using checkboxes for tasks and habits that require repetition.
• 😀 Convert new habits into second nature by regularly revisiting and practicing them until they become automatic.
• 😀 Keep the system simple to prevent overwhelming yourself and make it easier to stick to the process.
• 😀 This system works because it’s effortless, doesn’t require willpower, and ensures you know exactly what to do.

Q & A

What is the main problem the speaker addresses in the video?

The main problem the speaker addresses is the common issue of consuming content (like YouTube videos, podcasts, books) without actually applying what is learned to the real world, leading to a sense of no progress despite extensive learning.

How does the speaker feel about consuming content without applying it?

The speaker feels frustrated and annoyed by consuming content without transferring the knowledge to real-world actions. Despite consuming a lot of content, they often feel they haven't made any significant progress.

What solution does the speaker suggest for this problem?

The speaker suggests a simple system for efficiently applying what is learned: using an app (like Notion) to organize and distill the lessons learned from content and apply them in real life.

What is the first step in the system the speaker recommends?

The first step is to only consume content when you're in a position to take notes. This means not watching or listening passively, but engaging with content actively when you are ready to make use of it.

Why does the speaker emphasize taking notes when consuming content?

Taking notes ensures active engagement and helps retain the most important points. It prevents the risk of wasting the information consumed and encourages applying the lessons in practical ways.

What does the speaker mean by 'Practical points' in the content?

Practical points refer to actionable lessons or strategies that can be applied directly in the real world, as opposed to theoretical knowledge that may not have immediate use.

What are the two pages the speaker uses in Notion for organizing the content?

The speaker uses two Notion pages: one for one-off tasks, like checking out a free course (the to-do list), and another for recurring tasks or habits (the implementation hub), which is categorized by daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly actions.

How does the speaker distinguish between one-off tasks and recurring habits?

One-off tasks, like checking out a course, are placed in the to-do list, whereas recurring tasks, like engaging with nature for health benefits, are placed in the implementation hub under the appropriate time-based category (daily, weekly, etc.).

What does the speaker do once a new habit becomes embedded into their routine?

Once a new habit becomes part of their routine, the speaker marks it as complete by checking it off the list in Notion, indicating that the habit has been successfully incorporated into their life.

Why does the speaker consider this system effective?

The speaker considers the system effective because it is simple, organized, and requires minimal willpower. By having everything neatly packaged and accessible in one place, it becomes easy to apply the lessons learned and build habits without overthinking.