How to Learn Like Me

If you're like me, you probably have a hunger for learning new things every day. But let's be real: sometimes the actual act of learning feels like a chore. I think that's mostly because we've been conditioned by an educational system that teaches us "how to study" for a grade, rather than how to actually absorb knowledge.

I didn't always love learning — definitely not as a kid. But as I've grown, I've found that I genuinely enjoy the process of discovery, especially that sweet spot when a new concept starts to "saturate" and make sense. My philosophy is simple: Enjoy the process. I believe that if you're going to learn something, you should aim for a "Yapping every two seconds about it" scale of interest. Most people fear learning not because they aren't capable, but because of what I call The Burden of Interest. They aren't learning what they love; they're learning because it's mandatory. Now, I'm not saying we can dodge compulsory classes or job requirements. What I'm saying is that there's a way to turn that "mandatory" learning into something momentary, flavorful, and actually easy.

The Burden of Interest

Back in the day, I hated learning because I was forced to digest things I didn't find "befitting" — which is really just a fancy way of saying I wasn't interested. Interest is the epicenter of everything that makes us move.

Over time, I've mastered the art of taking something I have zero interest in and finding the intersection where it actually becomes manageable. It's a transferable gift, and here is how you can do it too:

1. Make Up Your Mind

The first step is mental. If you've got a massive Physics exam or a Math test in two weeks and you hate the subject, you have to decide it's a "do or die" affair. Lock in. Once you decide it has to happen, the resistance starts to fade.

2. Build a "Scanty Roadmap"

You need a simple, lean framework. Don't look at the whole mountain; look at the trail. If you're trying to understand something complex — let's say Oil Technology — list out a very basic, even "scanty" roadmap. Just the first five key topics.

As Elon Musk once said:

"It is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic tree — make sure you understand the fundamental principles, i.e. the trunk and big branches, before you get into the leaves/details."

3. Start with the "Easy Win"

Don't start with the hardest part. Pick the topic on your roadmap that piques your interest even just a little bit, or the one that seems the easiest to grasp. This builds momentum.

4. The Faceless Video Hack

This might sound weird, but find a video about your roadmap topics — specifically one from a faceless YouTube account. For some reason, these often strip away the "academic" fluff and get straight to the point. When you curate your own resources like this, you're exercising autonomy. You aren't being lectured; you're exploring.

The "Yapping" Factor (The Feynman Technique)

I've realized that when I'm really into something, I can't stop talking about it. This is actually the best way to learn. In the world of science and education, they call this the Feynman Technique. If you can't explain a concept simply to a friend (or just "yap" about it to anyone who will listen), you don't actually understand it yet.

Spoiler: Learning is Never "Easy"

Let's be honest: learning has never been easy, and most of the time, it never will be. It's supposed to be a bit of a struggle. As Carol Dweck writes in Mindset, the struggle isn't a sign that you're failing; it's a sign that you're growing.

"Becoming is better than being." — Carol S. Dweck

The goal isn't to find a magic pill. The goal is to make yourself feel good while you're doing the hard work. By curating your own interest and building your own roadmaps, you turn a heavy burden into a flavorful process.

So, go find something to yap about today.