Compound Learning 101 (acquiring skills is like interest)
Compound learning is one of the biggest motivations for me. It’s a reminder that just a little goes a long way – backed by math and numbers.
So this post will be an introduction into what it is, why it works and how to take advantage of its full power.
Because the truth is, you can apply the concepts of compounding to literally anything.
I hope this post is a springboard for you, and that it provides some insight and inspiration.
So thanks for stopping by – now let’s get it.
What Is Compound Learning? Compound Effect Meaning
Compounding is a common concept in math and finance circles. I think we’ve all heard about compound interest.
Even Einstein gave a tip of his hat to this principle, calling it the “...8th wonder of the world”.
It’s essentially the way interest builds upon interest, creating exponential growth. It’s a super important idea to understand for investing.
But how about learning, skill building and personal growth? Absolutely.
Compound learning is like the snowball effect of layering skills and keeping momentum. If compound interest is the result of interest on interest, then compound learning is the result of knowledge on knowledge.
So with the power of this compound effect, we can expect our focus and skill-building work to amplify at an exponential rate.
The trick is to not quit or feel discouraged at what feels like incremental improvements.
So let’s explore why and how this concept works in practice.
Why Compound Learning Works
Why does compound learning work so well? Or rather, how does it work exactly?
Compounding works because when you’re constantly learning new information, you’re stacking skills and making new connections you otherwise wouldn’t have.
Skill building creates numerous new relationships between ideas and knowledge, which act like bridges between the dots and can spark innovative thinking.
When you’re learning, you’re actively creating new connections between the neurons in your brain. And if you repeat that knowledge enough and actively use it, those connections become stable and strong.
Over time, these connections can amplify by complimenting each other, creating synergy and bridging gaps between knowledge.
Suddenly, learning new skills in new areas is simpler and you’re able to notice similarities between disciplines. Your skills become more and more transferable.
But let’s look at some math to back things up.
I’m a big supporter of simply getting 1% better everyday. Why? Because it’s attainable and low stress – and compounds to big results.
Here’s a simple mathematical explanation for how and why.
So stay the course, and take solace in the fact that your seemingly minor actions and learnings, over a long period of time, seriously add up.
To echo Alex Hormozi, doing ordinary things for unordinary amounts of time creates extraordinary results.
How to Take Advantage of Compound Learning: 10 Tips
Now let’s put things into practice with some practical advice on how to take advantage of the compound effect.
Below are some of my favorite tips for compound learning and keeping motivated to stay the course.
Just remember, consistent action is needed. Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.
1. Reframe Your Mindset
Mindset is everything. It’s kind of my whole schtick for this site actually (especially for musicians, artists and creatives).
So this is my first tip for taking advantage of compound learning. Reframe your mindset to a belief, growth and beginner’s framework.
See knowledge gaps or weaknesses as exciting opportunities. Approach new (and old) topics with a healthy beginner’s mindset.
Understand, accept and believe that you will reach crazy new heights if you stick with it.
2. Know Your Goals and Reasons
Knowing your why is something you can always fall back on when motivation or inspiration is running dry.
It’s like a compass. It’s also like your own personal litmus test to decide where you should focus your attention and which things you should do (or not do).
So write down your macro and micro goals for compound learning. Think about your reasons for why you want to take advantage of this life hack.
Also, your goals and reasons will likely change over time – so stay focused, but keep things flexible if they need updating.
3. Create A Workflow
When I first created my workflow for producing music, I was shocked by how helpful it was for organizing and getting work done.
They’re helpful for organizing tasks and identifying weaknesses to work on or bottlenecks to create workarounds for.
A good workflow adds a strategic approach to your goals and focus. So if you haven’t tried this one, I definitely recommend implementing one – especially in the beginning when you’re trying to create habits and patterns.
4. Timebox Your Learning
Coupled with a good workflow, timeboxing and getting into a daily routine will help create a habit. This will be essential for taking advantage of compound learning.
Timeboxing is essentially a buzzwordy term for scheduling. Simple, but effective.
Here’s the idea. You set aside a certain time block each day to focus exclusively on some goal or task. For me, it was music production (skill building, application and writing, etc.).
Every night, for at least 3 hours, I would turn off my phone, avoid other work or distractions and commit to doing only music-related things that supported my goals, tasks to complete and strengthened my musical weak points.
What else can I say, but it works.
5. Spend Time Learning – But Spend More Time Doing
Let’s shift focus away from the learning part of compound learning. We need to be taking action by doing the thing we’re learning about.
I guess Benjamin Franklin said this: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
So consuming knowledge without any action is just armchair learning. Doing and applying the knowledge is where all the magic and true compounding happens.
6. Learn What Interests You
This one is a bit obvious – and potentially cliche. But it’s still important.
If the thing you’re doing isn’t interesting for you, then it’s never going to be as good as it can be.
It’s never going to command as much attention and consistent focus that’s needed to achieve the compound effect.
So follow the things that excite you and relate to your values, goals and passions. And don’t be afraid to try things and pivot. It’s all part of the process.
7. Focus On and Set Small, Attainable Daily Goals
I love this strategy – because it’s incredibly effective.
We all have larger, long-term goals, which is awesome. But they can sometimes feel stressful or unattainable. Like, how the hell am I supposed to get there from here?
So breaking things down and focusing on the small, daily improvements that are needed to move forward is a way easier (and more effective) strategy.
This is compound learning in a nutshell. Small daily effort and improvement creates big massive change over time. So just set micro and nano goals for each day.
Chances are, you’ll find you become more motivated after starting a task, often resulting in overshooting your daily goals.
8. Track Your Progress and Zoom Out Sometimes
Tracking your progress can be super motivating and insightful.
After all, it’s sometimes hard to notice or realize our own improvement – or the effect of our small daily improvements over time.
I like to keep a running list of all my strengths, weaknesses and things that I’m actively working on.
Then, from time to time after I’ve forgotten the specifics of my list, I check back and update things, moving weaknesses to ‘in progress’ or ‘in progress’ skills into my strengths category.
It’s motivating to visualize this improvement – and just keep things organized and focused.
9. Stay Patient
Somebody said Everybody says that patience is a virtue. Well, to fully appreciate the effects of compound learning, this is especially true.
It’s fun to look back and appreciate your progress (i.e., zooming out), but it’s important to have realistic time horizons and expectations, especially in the short term.
If you’re expecting to reach an expert level in the next week, then…well, good luck?
But staying patient and vigilant will keep you grounded and focused on the task at hand. This is how we can take full advantage of the compound effect – patiently.
10. Stack the Deck In Your Favor
I’m a huge fan of this one. I’m constantly reminded of the power of this hack.
Despite our best intentions, if our external circumstances aren’t supporting our goals and vision, it’s going to be a steeper hill to climb.
So stack the cards in your favor, so you can stay focused, patient and learning. Here are three key areas to monitor or change to better suit your lifestyle and goals:
Your environment
Your surroundings and room design
The smells and sounds around you
Create a motivating and inspiring environment
Your inner circle
The people you hang around and communicate with on a daily basis
Network and meet new people that are where you want to be or share similar goals and visions
Your outer circle
The people you listen to online and the content you consume
Listen and consume content that supports a healthy, growth mindset
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