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I Became a Fast Learner at Everything by Applying These Simple Techniques
From failing the basic MS Word course to mastering 30 skills in 6 months
In the summer of 2019, I had this craze to learn something cool — something that could give my resume an edge. I wanted to learn to code so badly.
So I started taking classes at a tech company nearby. The first week went awesome. I met good people with mutual understanding, and I had high-quality lecture sessions.
After about 3 weeks of lectures, and presentations, it was time for the first test of the semester. I was looking all worked out that morning. Probably because I had spent all night reading course materials and practicing all that I’ve been thought for the past 3 weeks.
Long story short, the test was all done and the results were in. I felt so happy and confident after the test because I knew I put in all my efforts into making sure that I get a good grade. But, as they say, “only the results will determine how hard you prepared.” I kept my fingers crossed.
As I anxiously searched my name, my smile slowly tightened up, heart rate spiked. It was an E in all subjects (including basic MS Word usage).
“How was I able to fail all subjects, including basic MS Word usage?” Different questions clouded my mind.
Head down in sadness, I went home and took a long nap. I was embarrassed among my peers about failing a simple test which 90% of the class passed. The results of the test weakened me mentally, emotionally, and physically — I was afraid to try again. Depression gradually set in.
After reading The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything … Fast by Josh Kaufman. I began to reconsider. Through Kaufman’s book, I was convinced:
- That I could get over my fear
- My self-doubt needs some sprinkle of confidence
- Constant worrying doesn’t solve anything
- Embarrassments are nothing if you want to learn
- If you want to learn, do it in your 20s
In a movie I watched: The Matrix, I was fascinated with the ability that Neo and his friends possessed to learn new skills in…
