How to Learn Things Fast

You can use neuroscience to hack your brain and study more efficiently. As a child, I absolutely hated school. Have you ever experienced that moment when you’re not paying attention, and the teacher calls on you, asking a question you don’t know the answer to? Your options are either to say something random or ask the teacher to repeat the question, neither of which are ideal. Despite this, I always did well in school because I mastered self-studying to the point where I could learn an entire semester’s worth of material in just three days. In this article, I’ll share the neuroscience behind learning, how we can hack these mechanisms, and how to use AI tools to enhance these effects.

When most people think of memory, they imagine a static bookshelf where information is neatly stored. However, memory is more like a bustling city, constantly under construction, renovation, and demolition. New connections and pathways are always being formed, and the flow of information adapts to these changes. This dynamic model of memory is crucial to understanding how we learn.

Living in our bodies, we are exposed to a vast amount of sensory information—sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch. Most of this information is automatically filtered out, but if we focus on certain stimuli, it passes into our short-term memory. In short-term memory, we can hold about seven items for up to 30 seconds. If we rehearse this information and it persists, it moves into long-term memory. However, long-term memory is not static; it interacts with other memories, can be reconstructed or overwritten, and is always changing.

The key to improving concentration and getting information into short-term memory lies in filtering out irrelevant details and focusing on the important ones. Studies have shown three effective ways to do this:

1. Increase Physiological Arousal: When your body is more alert, you are more awake and focused. Drinking a cup of coffee is a simple way to achieve this. Another effective method is physical movement. For instance, pacing while listening to audiobooks can help keep you energized and focused. Apps like Speechify can convert text into audio, allowing you to absorb information while moving.

2. Set Deadlines: Have you ever noticed how a looming deadline sharpens your focus? This is because impending deadlines increase your physiological arousal, making you more alert and concentrated. For self-studiers, setting artificial deadlines or having a study group can create this same effect.

3. Generate Emotional Responses: If you care about what you’re studying, you’re more likely to focus on it. Incorporate stories into your study material to make it more engaging. Tools like Character.AI can help by creating interactive characters that make learning fun and immersive.

Procrastination and lack of motivation are common challenges. To understand procrastination, we need to look at dopamine, the chemical responsible for motivation. Here are some strategies to overcome procrastination:

1. Regenerate Dopamine: Engaging in activities you dread, like taking cold showers, can cause a subsequent spike in dopamine, boosting motivation.

2. Reduce the Motivation Barrier: Use tools like ChatGPT to generate initial drafts or ideas, reducing the effort needed to start a project. This lowers the barrier and makes it easier to begin working.

Memory retention is another critical aspect of learning. To combat the forgetting curve, regularly revisit information. Tools like Anki and Quizlet, which incorporate AI, can help create effective flashcards. For more technical subjects, engage with the material in multiple ways: read about it, watch tutorials, and apply what you’ve learned through practice. This multi-faceted approach strengthens your memory by creating more connections.

Understanding the context in which you study can also enhance memory retention. Studies have shown that studying in a state similar to the one you’ll be in during the exam (e.g., environment, physical state) can improve recall.

AI tools are game-changers in this process. They help create customized study plans, convert information into different formats, and streamline the learning process. For example, ChatGPT can provide study plans and resources, saving time and effort.

In summary, my approach to rapid self-study involves boosting dopamine levels to overcome procrastination, using multiple formats to absorb information, and regularly revisiting material to enhance memory retention. By leveraging AI tools, I can study more effectively and efficiently. I hope these tips help you improve your study habits and achieve your learning goals. Let me know in the comments what changes you’ll make to boost your self-studying efficiency.