In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to learn efficiently and effectively has become more important than ever. As a founder and business leader, I’m constantly looking for ways to sharpen my skills, grow my knowledge, and stay ahead of the curve. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe’s book, Learn Like a Pro: Science-based Tools to Become Better at Anything (2021), offers powerful strategies that can help anyone—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or a professional—become better at learning.
Book Overview
Learn Like a Pro provides a practical guide to learning that’s backed by scientific research. The coauthors, Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe, have faced their own challenges with learning and use this book to share effective methods to overcome those struggles. Their insights are drawn from a wealth of research in neuroscience, psychology, and education, making it a must-read for anyone looking to improve how they learn.
The book emphasizes the importance of focus, active learning, and proper study habits. It challenges common myths about learning and provides readers with tools to sharpen their skills, no matter the subject or field.
Key Insights from Learn Like a Pro
- Focus is Everything
One of the core lessons from this book is the need to eliminate distractions and develop deep focus. It emphasizes the importance of carving out focused time blocks for learning, a technique that has worked well for me as a founder managing multiple responsibilities. By dedicating time to learn in a distraction-free environment, I’ve been able to absorb information faster and retain it for longer periods. - Active Learning is Key
Passive learning—reading or listening without engagement—rarely sticks. Oakley and Schewe advocate for active learning techniques, such as self-testing, summarizing, and teaching others. As a leader, I’ve found that applying these techniques during team meetings or strategy sessions not only helps me better grasp the subject but also sparks innovation within my organization.
- Practice Deliberately
The book highlights the power of deliberate practice—practicing with purpose and focusing on improving weak areas. This aligns with my philosophy of continuous improvement in both personal and organizational growth. Encouraging my team to embrace deliberate practice has led to higher productivity and better overall performance.
- Take Regular Breaks
Breaks are not just for rest—they’re an essential part of the learning process. The authors stress the importance of taking breaks to allow your brain to process and store new information. As a founder, I’ve seen the benefits of incorporating short breaks into my workday, which has helped me maintain focus and avoid burnout.
- Learn by Teaching
Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn something yourself. This is a strategy I’ve always applied in my organization, where team members are encouraged to teach what they’ve learned to their peers. This not only reinforces their knowledge but also fosters collaboration and shared learning within the team.
My Experience as a Founder and Business Leader
As someone who is constantly learning—whether it’s about leadership, organizational growth, or the latest innovations—Learn Like a Pro has given me new tools to enhance my personal growth and lead my organization more effectively. One lesson that resonated with me was the idea of learning actively through teaching. In my experience, whether you’re leading a team, pitching to investors, or developing a new product, sharing knowledge with others solidifies your understanding and builds trust with your audience.
This book’s emphasis on focus and deliberate practice has also helped me refine my daily routine. I now approach learning with a more strategic mindset, carving out specific times in my day for uninterrupted learning and reflection.
Conclusion
Learn Like a Pro is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their learning abilities, and its principles apply just as well to business leaders as they do to students. Whether you’re looking to upskill yourself, lead your team more effectively, or simply become a lifelong learner, this book offers science-backed strategies that are easy to implement.