There’s two, broad approaches to self-education. The first is a learn-as-needed approach. You have a problem that needs solving, so you go and learn the things that will solve your problem. The second is a learn-everything-you-can approach. Pick things which seem interesting and learn as much as you can. Don’t worry about whether you will […]
What is Self-Improvement?
Recently I got an email from a reader who was upset at a recent string of failed efforts. He kept getting into a cycle of becoming really motivated, making some new habits or plans, and then having them crash down around him a few weeks later, leaving him even more depressed than before. In talking […]
Why You Cram for Exams (and How to Stop)
One of the most common emails I get from students is how to prepare for a hard exam, that’s coming soon, that they haven’t prepared for. Cramming is the act of studying non-stop right before an exam. It usually, although not always, involves review notes rather than doing practice or recall. (A bad idea). It […]
Learning Rule: Quantity, then Quality
A good rule of thumb to have in learning is to always start by increasing quantity of practice, and only after that has been reached, should you focus on increasing quality. This rule is surprisingly general. Trying to find the right way to learn math? Start by reading a lot more math books. Watching more […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.