How to Learn Anything in 20 Hours: Josh Kaufman’s Simple Guide
Learning something new can seem hard. You might think it takes years to get good at anything, but Josh Kaufman says that’s not true. He found that with just 20 hours of focused practice, you can learn almost anything! Let’s see how you can do it step by step.
The Truth About Learning
Many people believe it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. This idea comes from studies of experts, like athletes or musicians, who compete at the highest levels. But here’s the thing:
- 10,000 hours is for becoming the best in the world, not for learning basic skills.
- To be “good enough” at something, you don’t need anywhere near that much time.
Kaufman shows that 20 hours of practice can make you good at most skills.
How to Develop a Strong Mindset
Why 20 Hours Works
When you start learning, the beginning is where you improve the fastest. This is called the learning curve. In the first few hours, you go from knowing nothing to being pretty decent. That’s why those 20 hours are so powerful—they give you the most improvement in the shortest time.
How to Learn Anything: Step-by-Step
Kaufman created a simple plan with four steps. Follow these steps to learn anything faster:
1. Break the Skill into Small Parts
- Every skill has smaller pieces.
Example: If you’re learning to play guitar, focus on a few basic chords first instead of trying to learn every chord at once. - Ask yourself: What are the most important parts of this skill? Start with those.
2. Learn Just Enough to Practice
- Get a few resources, like books or videos, to understand the basics.
- Don’t spend too much time studying—start practicing as soon as possible!
Example: If you’re learning to cook, read one recipe and then start cooking. Don’t wait until you’ve read 10 cookbooks.
3. Remove Distractions
- Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and create a quiet space.
- The fewer distractions you have, the easier it will be to focus.
4. Practice for at Least 20 Hours
- Commit to practicing for 20 hours, even if it feels frustrating at first.
- Spread the practice over days or weeks. For example, practice 45 minutes a day for about a month.
An Example: Learning the Ukulele
Josh Kaufman wanted to learn the ukulele. Here’s how he applied his method:
- Break it down: He found that most songs only use 4-5 chords.
- Learn enough to start: He looked up basic chords and a few simple songs.
- Remove distractions: He set aside time to practice without interruptions.
- Practice: He played for about 45 minutes a day. By the 20th hour, he could play songs confidently.
What You Can Learn in 20 Hours
You can use this method for almost anything! Here are a few ideas:
- Languages: Learn basic phrases and sentences.
- Cooking: Try simple recipes or techniques.
- Drawing: Practice shapes, shading, and simple sketches.
- Technology: Learn basic coding or how to use a new app.
- Sports: Practice key moves, like dribbling in basketball or serving in tennis.
How to Use AI to Learn Anything Faster
FAQ
Does this method make you an expert?
No, but it makes you good enough to enjoy the skill and use it in real life.
What if I get frustrated?
Feeling frustrated is normal at first. Stick with it! Once you pass that stage, learning becomes fun.
Can I use this method for hard skills?
Yes! Break the skill into simple steps, and focus on one part at a time.
How can I stay motivated?
Set small goals and celebrate your progress. Remember why you wanted to learn the skill in the first place.
Can you really learn anything in 20 hours?
Yes, with focused and deliberate practice, you can become reasonably good at almost any skill within 20 hours.
What is the 20-hour rule for learning?
Josh Kaufman’s 20-hour rule suggests that you can learn the basics of any skill by breaking it into smaller steps and practicing consistently.
How is the 20-hour rule different from the 10,000-hour rule?
The 10,000-hour rule applies to mastery in competitive fields, while the 20-hour rule focuses on becoming proficient in a short time.
What skills are easiest to learn in 20 hours?
Skills like playing an instrument, learning basic coding, cooking simple recipes, or speaking basic phrases of a language are ideal.
How should I plan my 20 hours of practice?
Commit to practicing 45 minutes a day for a month. Remove distractions and focus on the most important parts of the skill.
Can I learn multiple skills at once using this method?
It’s possible, but focusing on one skill at a time ensures faster and better results.
Conclusion
Learning doesn’t have to be scary or take forever. With just 20 hours of focused practice, you can learn almost anything. Break it into small steps, remove distractions, and stick with it. What will you learn next?
