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The first 20 hours – how to learn anything | TED Talks | Josh Kaufman
In his TEDx Talk, "The First 20 Hours—How to Learn Anything," Josh Kaufman explores
strategies for acquiring new skills efficiently.
Before we start, a few words about the TED Talks speaker:
Josh Kaufman is the bestselling author of books on business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition,
applied psychology, and practical wisdom.
Key Points and Examples:
1. The 10,000-Hour Myth:
o Kaufman addresses the misconception that mastering a skill requires 10,000 hours
of practice, a concept popularized by Malcolm Gladwell.
o He clarifies that while 10,000 hours may be necessary to achieve world-class
expertise, basic proficiency in many skills can be attained much faster.
o Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill to mastery. In this
nonstop world, who has that kind of time?
To make matters worse, the early hours of practicing something new are always
the most frustrating. That’s why it’s difficult to learn how to speak a new
language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It’s so much
easier to watch TV or surf the web…
In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill
acquisition: how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows
you how to deconstruct complex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove
common learning barriers. By completing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate
practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably
well.
This method isn’t theoretical: it’s field-tested. Kaufman invites readers to join him
as he field tests his approach by learning to program a Web application, play the
ukulele, practice yoga, re-learn to touch type, get the hang of windsurfing, and
study the world’s oldest and most complex board game.
2. Rapid Skill Acquisition:
o Kaufman introduces the concept of rapid skill acquisition, emphasizing that
with focused effort, one can become reasonably good at a new skill in
approximately 20 hours.
o He outlines a systematic approach to learning:
Deconstruct the Skill: Break down the skill into smaller, manageable
parts.
Learn Enough to Self-Correct: Acquire just enough knowledge to
practice and make adjustments.
Remove Practice Barriers: Eliminate distractions and obstacles that
hinder consistent practice.
Practice for 20 Hours: Commit to practicing the skill for at least 20
hours.
3. Personal Examples:
o To illustrate his method, Kaufman shares his experience learning to play the
ukulele.
He deconstructed the skill by identifying basic chords and strumming
patterns.
He practiced these components individually before combining them to
play songs.
By dedicating focused practice sessions, he achieved a satisfactory level
of proficiency within 20 hours.
4. Overcoming Initial Frustration:
o Kaufman acknowledges the initial frustration that accompanies learning
something new.
o He emphasizes the importance of pushing through this early phase, as
significant improvements often occur after this period.
5. Encouragement to Learn:
o Kaufman encourages viewers to identify skills they've always wanted to learn
but haven't pursued due to time constraints or fear of failure.
o He reassures that dedicating just 20 hours can lead to meaningful progress and
personal satisfaction.
By applying Kaufman's approach, individuals can efficiently acquire new skills, leading to
personal growth and increased confidence in their ability to learn.
