How Do I Learn A New Skill?

Wondering if doing the crossword will help you remember where you left your car keys? Or learning to juggle will push you in the gym? There's a science to learning new skills — and a formula to which kinds of lessons make us better.

Which kinds of skills should I learn?

Learning new skills has real benefits, particularly as we age: In one study, adults who engaged in 'novel skill learning' improved memory and attention so well that "their cognitive abilities after one year were similar to those of adults 50 years younger.” But some skills are better than others. Doing crossword puzzles will make you better at crosswords — but it doesn't improve your memory or help you with sodoku.

Instead, seek out variety: Instead of practicing the bassoon, join a jam band. Instead of perfecting your Spanish, get decent at French and Korean. Don't just cook your favorite recipes — dive into weird cookbooks. And join an improv comedy class (just don't force your friends to attend your performances) or learn to program in Python (which is not only useful, but improves logical reasoning).

The key is finding skills that strengthen attention (mix a memory puzzle into your crossword habit), discipline (learning to juggle or do magic tricks will help you push yourself at the gym), and are demanding (reading something that's just a bit complicated will make you smarter than something pleasantly dumb.)

Okay, so how do I start?

First, make the lessons short and varied. Our brains absorb skills better when learning is spaced out over time. (So save those final math problems for tomorrow.) Students in a college physics class learned much better when the lessons mixed different kinds of problems and tasks (like studying the dynamics of liquids alongside the physics of fire) because 'interdisciplinary thinking' helps us absorb bigger insights (flames and waves behave similarly!)

Second, set a big goal and a modest plan. Decide to run a half-marathon next year — but get a training schedule that starts out pretty slow. (This is my personal favorite training scheduler.)

Finally, mix the cognitive and the physical: If you do some jumping jacks before studying a language, you're more likely to remember how to say ""¿dónde está la biblioteca?". (Learning physical skills like dance, sports, or strength training can enhance brain performance as much as purely mental exercises.)

Lastly, if you want to really succeed, focus on "skill stacking": Instead of becoming superb at one thing, become proficient at multiple complementary skills. (A superb tailor will earn a good living, but a so-so tailor who is also a decent storyteller and a passable sketch artist can become a fashion icon.)

But how do I stay motivated when the lessons get boring?

First, make learning social: It's easier to stick with a plan with friends. (And learning 'pro-social skills' that benefit others — like, say, learning to cook — makes it more likely we'll have fulfilling social lives.)

Second, make the first step super easy: What we think is a lack of motivation is often simply a resistance to starting. So set small goals (“jog one block” or “practice for just five minutes”) and, inevitably, you'll end up going longer.

Finally, cultivate both internal and external motivation: Remind yourself why you are practicing ("If I jog today, I'll feel great afterwards") and what you are chasing ("and if I finish a half-marathon, I'm gonna look amazing.") Students who choose classes they enjoy (intrinsic motivation) do better in school than students driven by grades (extrinsic motivation). But the best students of all seek out both ("this class is really interesting, and if I get an A, I'll get into law school.")

What new skill are you learning right now? Let me know by hitting the reply button!

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