Great post. Memorable story that’s related to the advice. I also like that you didn’t skip over the prep. Lotta hustlers out there shooting first and aiming later. Agree on not getting too bogged down in the safety of prep. Like the idea of skipping 20/80 prep to practice and skewing more toward 10/90 or even 5/95 depending on cost and downside.
This is so true. I used to be an actuary, and we had to take a bunch of credentialing exams. Everyone I knew would spend a ton of time "reviewing the material". I told them, "No, just take practice exams and learn from your mistakes. After you do this 20 times, you'll be prepared." This worked _great_ for me, but no one ever listened.
The painful irony though is I've definitely fallen into the prep trap for other things. Thanks for the great post, Nat!
The concept and idea of the article wasn't new but the packaging was fantastic, loved it. Also, the "coined concept" of prep trap, as well as using prep and practice as an alliteration.
As Matt pointed out, the story makes it really memorable.
Looking forward to more articles on skill acquisition + "what a detailed outline looks like" which was asked about in your last article. :)
Great post. Memorable story that’s related to the advice. I also like that you didn’t skip over the prep. Lotta hustlers out there shooting first and aiming later. Agree on not getting too bogged down in the safety of prep. Like the idea of skipping 20/80 prep to practice and skewing more toward 10/90 or even 5/95 depending on cost and downside.
This is so true. I used to be an actuary, and we had to take a bunch of credentialing exams. Everyone I knew would spend a ton of time "reviewing the material". I told them, "No, just take practice exams and learn from your mistakes. After you do this 20 times, you'll be prepared." This worked _great_ for me, but no one ever listened.
The painful irony though is I've definitely fallen into the prep trap for other things. Thanks for the great post, Nat!
The concept and idea of the article wasn't new but the packaging was fantastic, loved it. Also, the "coined concept" of prep trap, as well as using prep and practice as an alliteration.
As Matt pointed out, the story makes it really memorable.
Looking forward to more articles on skill acquisition + "what a detailed outline looks like" which was asked about in your last article. :)
Yup this is the big learning I got from Ultralearning by Scott Young: your "prep" needs to mirror the situation you'll be using your skills.
Else we should be using chess grand masters as our war strategists.
It's also the big weakness with learning 2nd languages in school. You are learning the language with an outcome called the "exam", not interactions
Thanks Nat - a good reminder for all those already in that trap that haven’t noticed!