The Science of learning difficult things

For most, regardless of ability, hike and fly is difficult to learn and even harder to master. The combined physical, mental and emotional hurdles that need to be overcome make it one of the hardest sports to learn – and therefore one of the most rewarding to master. Much progress has been made in recent years into understanding the science of learning and how to approach learning difficult tasks. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Deliberate Practice

Research: Anders Ericsson's work, particularly in "Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise" (2016), emphasizes that deliberate practice is the cornerstone of mastering difficult tasks.

Key Insight: Focus on challenging, targeted areas where you are weakest, and practice with immediate feedback to make meaningful progress. Passive repetition is not enough.

2. Spaced Repetition and Interleaved Practice

Research: Benedict Carey, in "How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens" (2014), discusses how spaced repetition (revisiting material over intervals) and interleaved practice (mixing different skills or topics) improve retention.

Key Insight: Spacing out practice allows the brain to consolidate learning, while interleaving forces the brain to adapt and recall in varied contexts.

3. Growth Mindset

Research: Carol Dweck's foundational work on the growth mindset, detailed in "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" (2006), shows that believing abilities can be developed through effort fosters persistence in learning.

Key Insight: People who see failure as a stepping stone to learning are more likely to succeed at difficult tasks.

4. The Role of Rest and Sleep

Research: Matthew Walker, in "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" (2017), highlights how sleep consolidates learning by strengthening neural connections made during practice.

Key Insight: Learning happens not just during practice but also during rest. A well-rested brain retains skills and knowledge more effectively.

5. Error-Based Learning

Research: Daniel Kahneman, in "Thinking, Fast and Slow" (2011), explores how making and analyzing mistakes strengthens learning, provided there is constructive feedback.

Key Insight: Learning accelerates when we understand and correct errors because it engages deeper cognitive processes.

6. The Power of Visualization

Research: Stephen Kosslyn and others in "The Case for Mental Imagery" (2006) have shown that

mental practice through visualization activates the same neural pathways as physical practice.

Key Insight: Visualizing complex tasks can enhance motor and cognitive learning, especially when combined with physical practice.

7. Cognitive Load Theory

Research: John Sweller’s work on cognitive load theory, summarized in "Cognitive Load Theory" (2011), shows that reducing extraneous distractions during learning allows for better focus on core tasks.

Key Insight: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks prevents overload and improves mastery. This book will help you break down your mission into goals and then learning tasks that you can focus on one by one.

8. Dopamine and Motivation

Research: Andrew Huberman’s neuroscience research, discussed in his podcast and academic papers, highlights the role of dopamine in learning and motivation.

Key Insight: Celebrating small wins triggers dopamine release, reinforcing effort and focus during challenging tasks. Formally structuring your training and recording your goals and achievements will help fuel your motivation.

9. Active Recall and Testing Effect

Research: Henry Roediger and Jeffrey Karpicke’s studies on the testing effect, detailed in papers like "Test-Enhanced Learning: Taking Memory Tests Improves Long-Term Retention" (2006), show that actively retrieving information improves memory and understanding.

Key Insight: Testing yourself on learned material is more effective than re-reading or passive review. Extracting from your mind is of more benefit than insertion. Rules of thumb, checklists, acronyms are all good tools to practice recalling.

10. Multisensory Learning

Research: Barbara Oakley, in "A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science" (2014), advocates for engaging multiple senses during learning to reinforce neural connections.

Key Insight: Combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods enhances retention and understanding. Keep a diary in which you write out your goals and tasks – then debrief them and write down your lessons learned. If you read, speak and write out the information you will be activating four neural pathways like a four track recorder.

You are also going to need some Grit to succeed in Hike and Fly which Angela Duckworth found to be the combination of Passion and Perseverance. Grit will be the subject of our next Blog.

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