How to STUDY so FAST it feels ILLEGAL

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares tips from the book *Ultralearning* by Scott Young to help you study smarter, not harder. The focus is on effective learning strategies like metalearning, which teaches you how to learn, and directness, where you learn in real-world contexts. The speaker highlights the importance of active recall—testing yourself through practice rather than passive review. The advice emphasizes aligning your study methods with exam formats and challenging your comfort zone for better results. These techniques are designed to help you learn faster, remember more, and reduce burnout.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Metalearning is key to studying smarter:** Understanding how to learn effectively is the first step to better results. Taking time upfront to figure out the best way to study can make the entire process easier and faster.
• 😀 **It's not about what you study, but how you study:** Studying harder and longer isn't always the solution. Effective study techniques are what make the difference, not just the materials.
• 😀 **Directness leads to faster learning:** Learning in the same context you plan to apply the knowledge to, like speaking Japanese by conversing with natives, is far more effective than indirect learning methods like watching videos or using apps.
• 😀 **Active recall is the key to retaining information:** Practices like flashcards, practice tests, or explaining concepts to others help solidify knowledge better than passive methods like rereading notes.
• 😀 **Focus on exam-specific preparation:** For an exam, practice doing exactly what the exam will require, such as answering multiple-choice questions, instead of just reading or making notes.
• 😀 **Effective study feels uncomfortable:** Challenging study techniques like active recall can feel frustrating but are often more beneficial than easier, passive methods that feel comfortable but aren't effective for long-term retention.
• 😀 **Avoid judging learning effectiveness based on ease:** Just because something feels easy, like highlighting notes or watching videos, doesn't mean it's actually helping you learn. The harder techniques often lead to better results.
• 😀 **Learning directly is often more challenging but rewarding:** Despite being difficult, direct learning creates a competitive advantage. Applying tactics that embrace directness can lead to much more effective learning.
• 😀 **Smarter studying leads to better results without burnout:** Using effective techniques reduces stress and gives you more time for other important aspects of life, like fitness and relationships.
• 😀 **Studying is about quality, not quantity:** It's not the number of hours you spend, but how effectively you use those hours that leads to better grades and retention.

Q & A

What is the main problem with traditional study methods like rereading, highlighting, and taking notes?

Traditional study methods such as rereading, highlighting, and taking notes often do not help with long-term retention of information. While they may help with initial exposure to the material, they don't effectively prevent forgetting, leaving students feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with their lack of progress.

What does the book *Ultralearning* suggest about the approach to studying?

The book *Ultralearning* suggests a faster and more effective way to study by focusing on methods that help you learn deeply and retain information. One key idea is that the approach to learning is just as important, if not more important, than the resources or materials you use.

How does the concept of 'metalearning' help in studying more effectively?

'Metalearning' is the process of learning how to learn. It involves understanding how a subject breaks down into different elements and learning from the experiences of others. By taking time to figure out the best study techniques and methods before diving into the material, you set yourself up for more efficient learning and better retention.

How does the idea of 'directness' impact learning, according to the book?

Directness refers to learning in the context or situation where the skill will be applied. It emphasizes practicing the real activity rather than relying on indirect methods, like reading or watching videos. For example, to learn Japanese quickly, speaking it directly with others would be more effective than simply watching videos or using apps.

Why is direct learning more challenging but beneficial for ultralearning?

Direct learning is often more frustrating, challenging, and intense compared to passive methods like reading or using apps. However, these difficulties create a competitive advantage for ultralearners because engaging directly with the task helps develop a deeper, more effective understanding of the subject.

How does the example of learning to ride a bike relate to ultralearning?

Learning to ride a bike is an example of direct learning. Instead of reading about it, you get on the bike and practice pedaling and balancing. This hands-on approach is similar to ultralearning, where the focus is on actually doing the activity you want to learn rather than passively absorbing information.

What role does active recall play in studying effectively?

Active recall involves actively retrieving information from your memory, such as through flashcards or practice tests. This method strengthens memory and learning, as it forces your brain to engage with the material. Although it may feel more difficult than passive methods, it is more effective for long-term retention.

Why do students often avoid study methods that feel hard, like active recall or practice tests?

Students tend to avoid methods that feel hard because they associate ease with effectiveness. Methods like rereading or highlighting feel smoother and more comfortable, but they don't lead to deep learning. Active recall and practice tests feel more challenging, but they are more effective in retaining and recalling information.

How does the example of studying for an exam with multiple choice questions highlight the importance of direct practice?

When preparing for an exam with multiple choice questions, practicing answering similar questions is more effective than just reading or summarizing notes. Since the exam itself will test your ability to choose the right answer from options, practicing multiple-choice questions simulates the actual test environment, enhancing your preparation.

How does the speaker’s experience in medical school illustrate the importance of studying smarter, not harder?

The speaker's experience in medical school demonstrates that simply studying harder (more hours, more materials) isn't enough. By focusing on smarter study techniques—like active recall and metalearning—he was able to improve his grades, reduce burnout, and have more time for personal activities, showing that working more efficiently is key to success.