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Ask HN: What are your favorite techniques for overcoming the “pain” of learning?

3 points by rufugee ↗ HN
I've accomplished many things throughout my career, and yet I still find it very painful and overwhelming at times to learn new subjects. When I'm reading a book on a difficult subject, I have a nagging little voice which seems to say "you'll never retain this" or "is this finally the subject that's just too much for you?" and other little seeds of doubt.

This is just noise, and I've proven that to myself over the years, but it still affects me every...single...time.

Two questions for HN:

  1. What are your favorite methods of overcoming this doubt? 
  2. What books (or other resources) would you consider helpful in this regard?
Thanks very much in advance.

5 comments

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batch12
This happens with me when I don't really want to learn the subject to begin with. Sometimes I think I want to know about it-- when I get in I realize I only superficially want to understand the subject. In these cases, I either move onto something else, or try and satisfy that superficial understanding to scratch that itch. As I result, I find that I am more of a generalist than a specialist in a lot of things. This comes in handy for me, but I am in awe when I find someone who had the desire to really dig into a topic.

Edit: All in all, I think it has come down to me being honest with myself about what I want to learn and why. This helps me to have realistic expectations about learning some new things.

dmfdmf
Check out Dr. Andrew Huberman's podcast #1 on YT. "How Your Nervous System Works & Changes" He argues that feeling overwhelmed and the frustration of learning are necessary to activate the neuro-chemical processes needed to change our programming. Interpreting this emotional state as "doubt" is itself a mental program that can be changed when you realize that these neuro-chemical processess are necessary and normal. Also, get good sleep (which he covers too).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-XfCl-HpRM

rufugee
This sounds extremely interesting and exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you!
rufugee
I just finished the first episode. It was perfect and a very needed shift in perspective. Thanks again!
dmfdmf
No problem, glad you liked it. He is very good at explaining things and boiling it down to "what you need to know" while including details if you want to get into it deeper. I like his "deep dive" format and that he has Q&A episodes.

I discovered his podcast about 2 months ago and taking my time catching up and making sure I understand each podcast before proceeding to the next because they build on each other. I have already made changes to my sleep and learning to focus on focus. It has been an open question of mine for years of how do we change our minds, specifically techniques on how to change bad mental habits and all that entails.