Learning fast using FAST
I learnt this mnemonic twice in the past week and I will be doing a disservice to mankind if I don't write about it. I have been meaning to learn strategies to absorb new concepts faster. In the pursuit of it, I found Jim Kwik talking about FAST in his podcast Kwik Brain and also as a guest in The Science of Success podcast run by Matt Bodnar. Let's get to it.
F – Forget your assumptions, what you know and your limitations.
When you begin learning a new concept it is important that you forget what you already know about it. Do not go into the concept by assuming that you already know it and you are not going to learn anything new. Also, forget your assumptions about what you might learn while going through the concept. Do not have preconceived notions. The biggest takeaway (for me) is to forget your limitations. Do not keep telling yourself that you might not be good enough, you are too old, you are not from some ivy league.
If you keep arguing for your limitations, you get to keep them.
A – Actively engage in the process of learning
Learning is not a spectator sport.
You cannot be a passive consumer. You need to roll up your sleeves and enter the ring. Actively listen, ask questions, take notes, make notes and learn to teach. When you have the intent to teach you tend to increase your stake.
S – State of being. What emotional state your mind is in?
If you are emotionally starved and not in a good state then whatever you are going to learn will not be retained. You need to have a curious mindset to learn. Be aware of the state of your mind before you begin to learn something new.
T – Teach. Learn with the focus of teaching.
Imagine you need to learn a new concept and then teach it to an audience after 48 hours. You will have skin in the game and will listen attentively. You will automatically make notes and learn with more involvement. Learn every new concept with the intention to pay it forward.
This in nutshell is how you can begin to learning fast. Using FAST.