Research Reveals The №1 Life Skill That Schools Surprisingly Don’t Teach

Research Reveals The №1 Life Skill That Schools Surprisingly Don’t Teach

The ability to learn rare and useful skills on-demand is arguably the most important skill anybody can possess. However, it is surprising that schools do not prioritize teaching students how to learn. Instead, our popular culture is filled with dangerous learning myths that hinder people's success and lead to wasted time on mediocre skills that are quickly forgotten.

In order to keep up with the rapidly changing world of the future, it is crucial to be able to reinvent oneself repeatedly. This concept was highlighted by Boyd, who determined that the key to winning dogfights was the speed of observation, orientation, planning, and action. The faster one could iterate through these steps, the greater the advantage. This concept of rapid iteration can be applied not only in combat but also in various aspects of life.

Observation, reflection, and experimentation are the three principal means of acquiring knowledge. By observing nature, reflecting on the information gathered, and conducting experiments, one can gather facts, combine them, and verify the results. This process of acquiring knowledge is essential for personal growth and development.

Information is the first step in the learning loop. It involves taking in information from various sources such as people, experiences, and research. Algorithms come into play during the processing of this information, which occurs unconsciously and through reflective questions. Taking notes helps in retaining and organizing the processed information. Experimentation is the next stage, where one takes action based on reflections and identifies the highest leverage actions to move forward without procrastination. Feedback is crucial in this process, as it helps identify key variables and understand the impact of experiments on those variables.

The learning loop follows a cumulative approach, where knowledge builds upon itself. This idea is similar to compound interest, which Albert Einstein famously referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. By continuously learning and investing in knowledge, one can experience exponential growth and success.

Peter Drucker's quote emphasizes the importance of adaptability in business. Often, successful ventures do not end up serving the market they initially intended to target. Products or services may evolve, and customers may use them for purposes other than what was initially envisioned. This highlights the need for flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly based on customer feedback.

In the world of entrepreneurship, the learning loop is crucial. Rather than having lengthy learning loops where mistakes can be costly and detrimental to the company, the goal is to shrink the learning loops. This allows for rapid iteration and learning from small mistakes along the way. By embracing this approach, entrepreneurs can pivot and adjust their strategies based on real-time feedback, increasing their chances of success.

Meetings are often seen as a mere execution of agendas. However, a good meeting should also address fixed mindsets and limiting emotions at each stage of the learning loop. Different stages evoke different emotions, ranging from positive (wonder, confidence, patience, resolution) to negative (impatience, insecurity, confusion, frustration). By addressing these emotions and fostering a growth mindset, meetings can become more productive and conducive to learning.

In conclusion, the ability to learn rare and useful skills on-demand is a crucial life skill that is often overlooked in traditional education. However, by adopting the learning loop model and embracing rapid iteration, individuals can continuously adapt and grow. Three actionable pieces of advice to implement are:

• 1. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to new experiences and perspectives.

• 2. Seek feedback and actively reflect on the impact of your actions.

• 3. Continuously iterate and learn from small mistakes rather than waiting for significant failures.

By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can become lifelong learners and thrive in an ever-changing world.