In a recent episode of the Future Squared podcast (above), I had the pleasure of hosting Scott H. Young, renowned author of “Ultra Learning” and the newly released “Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery.” Our conversation delved into the essence of learning, the differences between his books, and how we can all get better at anything by understanding the maxims he outlines.

Introduction to Scott H. Young

Scott H. Young is a name synonymous with the science of learning. His previous book, “Ultra Learning,” explored the methods of self-directed learners who took unconventional paths to mastery. Now, with “Get Better at Anything,” Scott takes us further into the journey of mastery by focusing on three primary areas: learning from others, practicing, and getting feedback.

How ‘Get Better at Anything’ Differentiates from ‘Ultra Learning’

Scott began by explaining the evolution from “Ultra Learning” to his new book. Initially, he thought he had said all there was to say about learning. However, as he continued his research, he realized there were more facets to explore, particularly in areas he couldn’t cover in his first book.

“Get Better at Anything” is divided into three parts: See, Do, and Feedback. “See” emphasizes learning from others, “Do” focuses on the importance of practice, and “Feedback” highlights the necessity of constant adjustment and improvement.

The Power of Learning from Others

One of the key insights Scott shared is the importance of learning from others. He mentioned that much of what we know comes from observing, reading, and listening to others. This includes watching YouTube videos, reading books, or listening to podcasts.

Learning from others also has a significant motivational component. Seeing others succeed can inspire us to believe we can achieve the same. Scott referenced the psychologist Albert Bandura, who emphasized the role of self-efficacy in motivation. If we believe we can achieve something, we’re more likely to put in the effort required to do so.

Success vs. Failure as a Teacher

Contrary to popular belief in the startup world that failure is the greatest teacher, Scott argues that success is often a better teacher. While failing fast can help avoid prolonged effort on doomed projects, success provides clear signals of what works. This is particularly crucial in environments with high variability and uncertainty, like entrepreneurship.

Problem Solving as Search

Scott elaborated on the concept of problem-solving as a search process. In fields where the range of potential outcomes is vast, such as startup ventures, testing and adapting quickly becomes essential. However, this approach needs to be balanced with learning from established methods to avoid unnecessary failures.

The Role of Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice, a concept popularized by psychologist Anders Ericsson, was another focal point. Scott emphasized that it’s not just about putting in hours but about the quality of practice. Deliberate practice involves focused effort on improving specific aspects of a skill, often under the guidance of a coach, and not just mindlessly repeating the same tasks.

Creativity Begins with Copying

A counterintuitive insight Scott shared is that creativity often begins with copying. By imitating and analyzing the works of others, we internalize the fundamental techniques and styles, which we can then adapt and innovate upon.

Balancing Seeing, Doing, and Feedback

When asked about the balance between learning from others (seeing), practicing (doing), and adjusting based on feedback, Scott highlighted that the optimal mix depends on the skill in question. For knowledge-based skills, learning from others might take precedence, while for motor skills, practice is paramount.

Overcoming Learning Plateaus

Scott addressed the challenge of learning plateaus, where progress seems to stagnate. He suggested that breaking through plateaus often requires finding new methods or techniques to elevate performance to the next level.

The Importance of Exposure Therapy

We discussed the role of exposure therapy in overcoming fears and anxieties that hinder performance. Regular exposure to a feared situation can significantly reduce anxiety over time, enabling better performance and learning.

Experts as Teachers

Interestingly, Scott pointed out that experts don’t always make the best teachers. Their deep knowledge and automatic skills can make it difficult for them to break down the learning process for beginners. Instead, getting experts to tell stories about their experiences can be more insightful than asking for direct advice.

Unlearning Bad Habits

Unlearning bad habits is crucial for progress, especially in well-developed skills. Scott used the example of Tiger Woods, who repeatedly updated his golf swing to stay at the top of his game, despite the risks involved in changing deeply ingrained habits.

Conclusion

My conversation with Scott was enlightening, offering profound insights into the art of learning and mastery. His new book, “Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery,” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their skills and achieve mastery in any field. For more insights, you can visit Scott’s website at scotthyoung.com.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the science of learning and mastery, be sure to pick up Scott’s new book and check out the full episode of our podcast. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or just someone passionate about self-improvement, there’s something in it for everyone.

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