Thread by @rroudt

You can teach yourself.

If you're reading this, you have the ultimate teaching and learning tool; writing.

By explaining things to yourself, you uncover holes in understanding—enabling you to learn deliberately.

🧵Atomic essay on learning through writing.

#ship30for30

Richard Feynman—the physicist—famously had a quote in the corner of his blackboard; "What I cannot create, I do not understand," followed by "Know how to solve every problem that has been solved."

Feynman took pen to paper and worked from memory, explaining concepts to himself in simple terms. If he couldn't, that was his cue to dig deeper.

By seeing simple explanations in his own words, he could make ideas his own and wrap his head around complex topics.

Writing about a topic makes it easier to cement a flash of insight into long-term memory. You'll have a note to teach you, plus you're more likely to remember your own words than someone else's.

When learning theory, ask yourself:

• What are the key ideas?
• What are some examples?
• How do these ideas connect to what I already know?

Go from passive learning to teaching yourself.

Your own words often resonate the most, and you learn more deeply by connecting relevant ideas.

There's always someone who needs to hear your voice—you.

Once you start practicing new knowledge or a skill, reflect by asking yourself after every session:

• What went well?
• What could have gone better?
• What do I need to learn to improve?

Plus, minus, next; a simple framework to improve skills.

Don't leave your progress to chance.

Slow down, ponder useful ideas, and write out loud before and after turning ideas into action.

Write to learn.