Have you ever come across a new business or marketing training program, felt the rush of excitement, and clicked the ‘BUY NOW’ button…Only to find it collecting digital dust in your inbox?
Trust me, you're not alone…I’ve done it one too many times.
We see something that inspires us to watch a training, challenge or webinar. We get excited and get a spike of dopamine, thinking this course will be the solution.
We buy…and then, so many times we’re left with a vault of untouched knowledge.
The wisdom contained in resources like courses, inner circles, and other programs has the potential to change our business forever…Yet many Entrepreneurs don’t fully dive in (even after making the financial investment!)
Why? Let’s break it down…
You've probably heard about Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule. It's a theory that suggests it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a particular field.
Now, while this rule might hold some truth when striving for top-notch expertise, it can feel like a massive mountain to climb for many of us who simply want to learn a new skill or gain knowledge that will help us in our business.
(Who has 10,000 hours to spare?)
Now, here's where it gets interesting…
In his famous book, best-selling author Josh Kaufman busted this myth wide open when he introduced the 20-hour rule. 👇
Josh suggests that you only need 20 hours of focused, deliberate study and practice to become proficient at a new skill.
(Yes…Just 20 hours!)
Imagine holding a guitar for the first time, the strings awkward under your fingers, or standing in a kitchen, surrounded by a ton of unfamiliar ingredients as you attempt to create a gourmet meal.
This initial 20-hour stretch is the magical time when your brain is a sponge, soaking up chords or recipes at a pace that’s nothing short of exhilarating.
It's during THESE hours that the basics are etched into your memory, forming a solid foundation upon which you can build mastery.
In other words, all you have to do is simply get started.
…But what does “getting started” actually look like?
Josh Kaufman breaks down the 20-hour rule into four crucial steps:
- Deconstruct the Skill: Break down the skill you want to learn into smaller, manageable chunks. Identifying which parts of the skill will give you the most benefit and focus on learning those first.
- Learn Enough to Self-Correct: Gather enough resources to understand the basics so you can self-correct as you practice. This could be through online tutorials, books, or even a mentor who can guide you.
- Remove Practice Barriers: Eliminate distractions that might hinder your learning process. This includes your phone, social media, or a noisy environment.
- Practice for at least 20 Hours: Here’s where the magic happens. Practice each chunk for a total of 20 hours. This doesn’t have to be all at once but can be spread out over a few days or weeks.
The problem many Entrepreneurs face, though?
They lack the motivation, discipline, and willpower to get started and complete these four simple steps.
Or sometimes we want something but have an unconscious trigger that holds us back from achieving it (e.g., imposters syndrome, which unconsciously tells us we don’t deserve it so we procrastinate).
Surely, we all have been there.
The thrill of starting something new is often met with the reality of other commitments, fear of failure, or sometimes, the voice in the back of our heads that whispers, “I’ve got all this other stuff to do, so I’ll start after I finish X, Y, Z.”
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it, we forget about the purchase and buy the next shiny object.
The good news?
It’s all about harnessing the power of those initial 20 hours and blending it with a technique that keeps procrastination at bay.
Enter the Pomodoro Technique — A simple yet effective way to manage your time and maintain your focus. Here’s how it works:
- Block out three hours for learning your new skill and set a timer for 25 minutes to work diligently on your task.
- Once the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. Stretch, grab a coffee, or simply relax. Then dive back in for another 25-minute sprint. (Do not look at your phone or check emails as this is focused learning time).
- After four sprints, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Rinse and repeat, or plan your next session.
Here’s a cool tool you can use to keep track of your sprints: Pomo Focus
This method not only keeps you rejuvenated but also instills a sense of urgency and focus. Each 25-minute sprint is a mini-deadline, pushing you to make significant strides in a short period of time.
Now, combine the Pomodoro Technique with the 20-hour rule, and what you have is a proven strategy for rapid skill acquisition and productivity.
You'll find yourself not just starting, but cruising through the learning process.
So, dust off that neglected course, or tune that forgotten guitar. Set your timer and dive into the world of focused learning.
The 20-hour rule paired with the disciplined approach of the Pomodoro Technique is your ticket to unlocking a new set of skills and bringing a fresh burst of energy and innovation to your business.
And who knows, the next time you come across a shiny new training program, you won’t just stop at the ‘BUY NOW’ button.
Instead, you’ll take immediate action, apply what you’ve learned, and actually reap the benefits of what you’ve purchased.
To your success,
David
P.S. If you want to double your business in the next 6-12 months, let's chat. Click here and apply for a free 45 min strategy consultation ($497 Value!)
