How to Learn Skills Fast and By Yourself

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Mastering Skills Without Mentors or Books: A Journey into Self-Education

Imagine a world where you don’t need mentors, books, courses, or roadmaps to become an expert—not just in coding but in any discipline. What if you could master anything quickly and on your own? This video dives into a serious topic: the deceptive world of educational resources and the essential questions that can help you navigate your learning journey.

The Problem with Conventional Learning Tools

We live in a world saturated with apps like Obsidian that hog space on our devices, and mentors (like me) who consume your most valuable asset: time. There are countless videos promising to teach you Spanish in an hour or Python in a day. These are often misleading, creating an illusion of progress where none exists.

Today, let's skip the usual advice about hard work or revolutionary techniques. Instead, let's discuss the three main pitfalls in education: false logical connections, meaningful misconceptions, and willpower. We’ll also answer crucial questions like why you’ve struggled for years to learn something and what John Frum's cargo cult has to do with it.

False Logical Connections in Learning

Let’s break down a common mistake using an example from programming. Think of aspiring programmers who read a book on CSP (Communicating Sequential Processes) and expect to become proficient coders. When it doesn’t work, they blame the book and start a never-ending cycle of seeking new resources.

This is akin to the John Frum cargo cult, where islanders built mock airplanes out of bamboo, expecting real planes to land with supplies. They saw the superficial elements but missed the underlying principles. Similarly, many beginners believe that merely knowing a programming language will make them programmers, overlooking the fundamental understanding required.

Practical Example: PHP

To illustrate false logical connections, consider PHP. Whether it's physics or Spanish, the core issue is the same. In programming, false connections are rampant. Imagine a baker named Pete who buys a gas oven and reads its manual, expecting it to teach him how to bake. When it doesn't, he buys another manual and repeats the process, never learning to bake.

Programming books and courses are like oven manuals. They teach you how to operate the tool but not how to create the product. True learning comes from understanding and applying concepts, not just following instructions.

Understanding Documentation

Documentation is often mistaken for comprehensive guides to programming. It lists methods and objects but lacks practical application guidance. To truly learn, you need to engage in practical tasks. Think of it as learning to bake by following recipes and practicing, rather than just reading about oven settings.

Addressing Meaningful Misconceptions

Next, let's discuss meaningful misconceptions. These occur when learners pursue tasks without understanding their relevance. For instance, Pete the baker now decides to become a chef, focusing on high-level recipe books that are visually appealing but lack precise instructions. His results are inconsistent because the guidance is too vague.

In education, pursuing complex, visually appealing but vague resources often leads to poor outcomes. Misconceptions about what constitutes effective learning can waste time and resources. Understanding that difficulty doesn't equate to prolonged effort is crucial—sometimes, difficult methods can be faster and more efficient.

How to Validate Your Knowledge

When you’re unsure if you’re ready for a job, remember: no one ever feels fully prepared. Even experienced professionals continually learn and adapt. The key is to engage in real-world projects. For programmers, contributing to open-source projects can be invaluable. These projects expose you to practical coding standards and collaborative work environments.

Finding the Right Learning Resources

To find high-quality learning materials, seek out those created by entities with a vested interest in your success. Universities like MIT offer free, high-quality resources. Big tech companies also provide free courses to train potential employees. Look for materials developed by creators of popular frameworks and libraries—they often offer the best insights into their tools.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Programmers

If you're learning PHP, don’t just read documentation or take random online courses. Engage with comprehensive, structured resources like those from universities or major tech companies. Practical, hands-on projects are essential. Build something tangible, like a website or an application, to apply what you've learned.

Conclusion: Embrace Real-World Learning

Remember, self-education is about understanding and application. Don't fall for the allure of quick fixes. Engage with practical projects, seek high-quality resources, and continuously apply your knowledge. This approach will not only make you proficient but also prepare you for real-world challenges.

Stay focused on your goals, embrace the learning journey, and always question the resources and methods you use. Your time and effort are valuable—invest them wisely.