10 Mind Tricks to Learn Anything Fast!

Summary

This video shares ten mind tricks to enhance learning speed. Key strategies include the 'sleep sandwich' technique for memory retention, mastering skills by modifying tasks, weaving subjects to solidify information, chewing gum for cognitive benefits, staying hydrated for better focus, using multiple mediums for studying, speed reading to absorb more information, using music for stress relief and concentration, practicing in smaller chunks for better retention, and understanding that taking the hard road often leads to more efficient learning.

Takeaways

• 💤 **The Sleep Sandwich**: Study, sleep, and then study again to help your brain encode information into long-term memory.
• 🎨 **Mastery Through Modification**: Avoid the illusion of mastery by making small changes to your learning routine to challenge yourself and stay humble.
• 🔗 **Weaving Subjects**: Interweave different subjects or styles to help solidify new information in your memory.
• 🍃 **Chewing Gum**: Chewing gum can improve alertness, reduce stress, and help you concentrate, thus aiding in learning.
• 💧 **Intellectual Hydration**: Staying hydrated can boost brainpower, improve test performance, and help with information processing.
• 📚 **Multiple Mediums**: Use different learning mediums like flashcards, diagrams, and verbal repetition to activate various brain areas and enhance memory.
• 🚀 **Speed Reading**: Increase your reading speed to keep up with the ever-growing amount of information available.
• 🎵 **Musical Stress Relief**: Music can make your mind more receptive to new information, improve memory, and reduce stress.
• 📝 **Practice in Pieces**: Break down your study material into smaller pieces to improve retention and avoid overwhelming your long-term memory.
• 🛤️ **The Hard Road**: Sometimes, taking the more challenging path, like handwriting notes, can lead to better learning outcomes in the long run.

Q & A

What is the 'sleep sandwich' technique mentioned in the script?

The 'sleep sandwich' technique is a method of learning where you study, take a sleep, and then study again. It is based on the idea that sleep helps consolidate information into long-term memory, making it more effective than cramming during a single long study session.

Why is the sleep sandwich technique recommended for learning?

The sleep sandwich technique is recommended because it allows the brain to encode and store information in long-term memory during sleep, which is crucial for retaining what you've learned. Cramming all night prevents this process, leading to less retention.

What is the 'illusion of mastery' and how can modifications help overcome it?

The 'illusion of mastery' is a pitfall where one feels they have mastered a skill after learning a few basic tricks. To overcome this, modifications such as changing the angle of a drawing or using a different tool can challenge oneself, reveal weaknesses, and maintain humility in the learning process.

How does weaving subjects help in learning?

Weaving subjects involves studying different topics or styles intermixed rather than in blocks. This technique helps solidify new information in memory and can lead to better retention, as shown in a 2008 study where participants who saw scrambled paintings of different artists performed better.

What cognitive benefits does chewing gum have on learning?

Chewing gum has been found to increase alertness, reduce stress, improve focus, and extend attention span. It also helps in staying calm and motivated, which can contribute to faster learning.

How does staying hydrated affect cognitive performance?

Staying hydrated can boost brainpower by improving test-taking skills, aiding in the digestion of information, storing new memories, and solving complex problems. A 2012 study showed that college students who drank water during exams performed up to ten percent better.

Why is using multiple mediums while studying beneficial?

Using multiple mediums, such as flashcards, diagrams, and verbal repetition, activates different parts of the brain and helps store more detailed sensory information. This can lead to a better understanding of concepts from various perspectives and faster learning.

What is the average reading speed and how can speed reading help in learning?

The average reading speed is about 200 words per minute. Speed reading techniques can help increase this rate to between 700 and 1000 words per minute, allowing one to absorb information faster and keep up with the rapidly growing amount of information available.

How does music affect learning and stress levels?

Music can make the mind more receptive to new information and improve memory by engaging different brain areas. It also serves as a significant stress reliever, reducing test anxiety and increasing relaxation, which can lead to better performance.

Why is practicing in pieces more effective for learning than trying to cover all notes at once?

Practicing in pieces is more effective because the human brain is not designed to store large volumes of information at once. By learning in smaller chunks, the brain can better retain information, making the learning process more efficient.

What does the script suggest about taking the hard road versus shortcuts for learning?

The script suggests that taking the hard road, such as handwriting notes, can be more efficient in the long run as it leads to better retention and cognitive impact, even though it may seem less convenient or slower than using shortcuts.