# How to Learn Anything  ## Metadata - Author: [[Duncan Riach]] - Full Title: How to Learn Anything - Category: #articles - Source: medium - Last Highlighted: 2024-10-30 10:08:52.981667+00:00 - URL: https://medium.com/p/296d37ae261d ## Highlights - Beliefs, which are always about the past, reduce our in-the-moment options related to how we can respond to reality, and therefore all beliefs are in fact limiting beliefs. - There are two main ways of perceiving our own abilities: (1) that they are pre-determined and immutable, or (2) that are changeable and can be developed. The former attitude is called a fixed mindset, and the latter is called a growth mindset. - The focus with this mindset is on maintaining an external image of success and competence, which includes not taking risks or doing anything that might make them look “stupid.” - On the other hand, people who hold a growth mindset understand that their intelligences and capabilities are always growing, changing, and developing. These people know that they can learn and grow and become better at things. Furthermore, they know that this is accomplished by trying new things, taking risks, and focusing on growth and development - One of my friends, who is licensed clinical psychologist (with a PhD), and who created a depth psychology program at a local graduate school, told me that he has learned more about psychology from teaching as a professor than when he was a student. - The night before the first exam, I contacted my friends and asked if they wanted to go to the local pub for a drink. To me, it felt right to simply relax and have fun the night before an exam. At that point, “the hay was already in the barn,” as one of my CrossFit coaches says. I was amazed to find that all of my friends were staying at home that night and cramming for the exams, and planning to stay up late and get little sleep. I ended up obtaining A grades across the board in those exams, and I realized that my strategy of starting early, and learning gradually, was very effective.