The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin

Here are the key highlights from that learning process:

1. Sequence learning from simple to complex.
2. Internalize new learnings.
3. Make smaller circles.
4. Invest in loss.
5. Cultivate the Soft Zone.
6. Build a Zone Trigger.
7. Build in efficient recovery.
8. Use adversity.

1. Sequence learning from simple to complex.

This sounds obvious but it’s rarely done. That’s because we live in an impatient culture. People just want to “get to it” and see results fast.

2. Internalize new learnings.

To “internalize” means you practiced something so much that your brain can unconsciously do it. Each time you learn something new that can raise the level of your game, internalize it.

3. Make smaller circles.

If you’ve learned the foundational principles and are internalizing each subsequent new learning, you are well on your way to becoming excellent at your craft. The next step, making smaller circles, will tremendously up your game.

4. Invest in loss.

“Investment in loss is giving yourself to the learning process.” –Josh Waitzkin

5. Cultivate the Soft Zone (a flexible performance state)

The “Zone” is your performance state. We want to have a Soft Zone, not a Hard Zone. If our performance state is hard and rigid, it will snap under pressure. If our performance state is soft and flexible, it can withstand any amount of pressure.

6. Build a Zone Trigger.

By “Zone”, Josh means flow state. Ideally, a deep flow state.

7. Build in efficient recovery.

“In virtually every discipline, one of the most telling features of a dominant performer is the routine use of recovery periods. People who are able to relax in brief moments of inactivity are almost always the ones who end up coming through when the game is on the line.” –Josh Waitzkin

8. Use adversity.

We’ve already talked about flowing with distractions and unideal conditions in the Soft Zone.

Adversities are at a whole different level. Adversities cripple people. If you lose because of a distraction, people will laugh at you. If you quit because of adversity, people will give you their sympathy. But world-class performers don’t quit because of adversity. Instead, they channel it to hone their game even more.