So you wanna know the answers to the questions “How the heck are they doing that?!” AND “How can I do that?” AND “I’ve heard of an autodidact, so is there a guide on how to become an autodidact?”
Great, because you’ll get those answers today and you’ll be able to implement them starting today.
Yes, this is a guide on how to become an autodidact, and a genius if you so desire.
You are probably thinking “Well, how are you credible to talk about this?”
Fair question. Allow me to elaborate.
The simple answer is that I have mastered the ability to learn anything. How have I mastered it?
For one, one of my favorite professors out on the internet literally gave me the framework for taking the physical reality and interpreting it to make sense out of it and solve lots of problems.
Math problems that is.
That professor’s name is Professor Leonard and if you are a math student or engineering student and if you want an A in your math classes, watching his videos is your best bet to getting there. If you just take a look at the reviews on Rate my Professors and on the videos, they’ll speak for themselves (I got A’s in all of my classes with him)!
And I have practiced his method over and over again and have perfected it, especially with A’s and 100’s on tests and quizzes left and right, along with learning how to run an online business and learning any freakin’ skill that I want!
That’s my credibility.
Anyway, the whole thing of learning anything you want is this:
1. You must fully grasp the concepts of what you are learning and not just the how, but the WHY is it happening part. Because without the why, the how will never click and it’ll be rote memorization.
2. Practice it over and over and over and over and over and over and etc. AGAIN all the way up to the point of no fear.
That’s it.
And then some.
I can literally read any book, listen to any podcast, watch any video, and given some time, I will master the material and be the best in the world at the subject.
Now notice where I said “And then some?”
I said it for a reason.
It’s because it doesn’t work without superb self-motivation and dedication to the craft. It just doesn’t.
You maybe like “Well gee yeah, I know that, it’s just common sense.”
Well let me ask you, aside from school or your job, have you experienced the self-motivation to get up in the morning and just learn something? Chances are that answer is no.
And do you prioritize books or that stinkin’ iPhone of yours (unless you’re using it to monetize a venture)?
You can’t get to a book, but you can go on Snapchat?
Then you don’t know. But we will fix that today.
And then another thing that I do is this: When I learn a new concept, I associate it with a particular song that I like and a particular place that I like. It helps me retain the concept better since when I frequently think of that song and place, that concept and the how-to will come to mind automatically.
Let me give you an example of this.
When I was learning trigonometric integrals for Calculus 2, I remember that I would frequently think about Islamorada, Florida, which is a chain of islands in the Florida Keys. And the reason that I thought about that was because when I would go there to relax on weekends as a kid (and still do I will admit but not nearly as much), I always felt extremely relaxed and calm and at peace. I would always associate it with paradise. And during the time that I learned the material, I frequently listened to a song called “I Wanna Take Forever Tonight” by Peter Cetera that gave me a sensation of happiness and glory. So when I started learning the material, I was like “How can I make learning this happy?” And then, I would think of driving down the Overseas Highway in Islamorada and playing that song while doing so and learning the material at the same time. Gradually, as I played that mental movie while learning the material, it gradually stuck in with the movie and it was associated and it became automatic to me. And I do the same thing while learning everything else even though I might use a different movie and song.
So for that one, you would basically do this:
1. Think of a happy place with a happy song and create a mental movie combining the two while learning the material.
2. Play that movie and learn the material simultaneously, you will eventually make the movie and the concept stick together, so when you think of your happy movie, you automatically bring out that concept.
3. When you are doing that concept at your job or school or business, you automatically perform it correctly.
Try this and let me know in the comments if this worked out for you in some way. And the results that you got out of it.
Here’s the How-To!
1. Redirect your Attention
This is the most important step because if you don’t redirect your attention to your craft, you will never become an autodidact. Without understanding the importance of redirecting your attention, the next steps will not fall into play for you. Plain and simple.
Let me show you why.
When you pay attention to the stuff on your iPhone, what are you processing? The stuff on your iPhone. When you talk to your friends about those face features on Snapchat, they tell you that you are an expert at that (there’s your business idea there). What you don’t realize is that you have developed mastery of the material, but you don’t realize it nor do you realize the potential of that knowledge. Now let’s take another example.
Warren Buffett from the age of 10 read every book in his local library on the subject of investing, his main interest, even though the difference is that he recognized the significance of what he was learning as a result of directing his attention away from junk and onto the conceptual understanding of the material. You know where that lead him correct?
Now let’s take a look at another example: Me, even though I won’t go into extremely great detail because, well, I can’t give you all the answers; some you’ll have to just figure out yourself. Why not all the answers? Because I’m not your mom nor your pop and this is business, so no. I’m not sorry for that.
I have recently learned throughout the years that to get anything done in life, regardless of what profession that you are in, you need to know 3 things.
1. Selling
2. Copywriting
3. Closing
I have become obsessed over these 3 topics over the last year and I have been indulging in books on these topics like a maniac to know these topics in and out and to master them and to be the best at them. I have completely redirected my attention to accomplishing this goal of mine to become the best at these. And because I instinctively know that the result of not knowing these subjects is that I cannot create the life I want, it is like a gun to my head to learn them. I am more immersed into the conceptual understanding of these topics as a result and I understand the WHY are they significant question that is necessary to become an autodidact.
Now, could you have a teacher to guide you? Yes, but the learning is all on you and only you. You need to know what information to obtain, why it’s important, how it works, and how to shape it to get what you desire. And THAT is the essence of redirecting attention. So I challenge you today that until you discover monetary value in using your Smartphone, get rid of it and go grab a book. Now what book should you grab? That’s the next step.
2. Pick a Subject that Interests YOU and Indulge in it, Savor It, Love It, Become OBSESSED! AND NOTHING LESS!
Yep, you heard that right my future islander!
Read this section’s title 10 more times to let it sink in!
To really know what you could be the best at and before you can go into what is in demand, learn something that you like first and become obsessed with learning about it so that you can experience the journey of exploring all of that gold that you can uncover!
You will really become a kid again once you do this! And you’ll be determined to live that curiosity!
Just imagine looking for a new date and you find the one you love. What happens? You become obsessed and do whatever to get him or her.
With this? The same thing! Not convinced? If you’re not convinced, what the hell are you waiting for? Click on this link right here to learn more about redirecting your sexual energy to your dream craft!
One thing about “adults,” or the boring “Is it 5 o’clock yet” type of adults, is that they have ZERO curiosity whatsoever. They just drift through life not like lumps of crap, but lumps of f****** crap. I really mean it. They provide NO value to the world, they are not pleasant to be around, they are wasteful, toxic, and consumers and not producers.
And that’s where Mr. or Ms. Curiosity comes in! YOU, being the curious learner that you are, will soak up all of that knowledge and use it to create something that the masses are going to crave and savor and salivate! Why? Because you will be obsessed with making your abilities the best and you sincerely want to help your customers with your products and content! And people love kids with smiles! Even if you are an adult, you’ll still be memorable with a genuine smile and infectious enthusiasm!
You better do it, because I know someone who will! Can you take a guess as to who it is?!
And now onto Step 3!
3. Learn What’s In Demand in the Marketplace
Man, you have a lot of bosses!
OK let’s face it, you do have your interests and desires according to the LOVE Columns, but duty calls to pay the rent.
So what must you do?
Learn skills that are in demand in the marketplace.
So what are they?
A) Selling
B) Copywriting
C) Closing
D) Programming like Python, SQL, HTML and CSS (Source: https://www.getsmarter.com/career-advice/pioneering/8-demand-freelance-skills-2017)
E) Professional skills like résumé writing, SEO, and social media outreach
F) If you’re a great tutor, any type of tutoring in any quantitative subject like math, physics, and engineering
And master those to.
And you’ll at least have a roof over your head.
You’ll thank me later.
4. Go Be That Autodidact; or rather, a GENIUS!
Now you have the answers to the questions “How the heck are they doing that?!” AND “How can I do that?” AND “I’ve heard of an autodidact, so is there a guide on how to become an autodidact?”
Now what?
Go implement them.
And be great with them.
And also, do me a favor, leave a comment below with what you got out of this post and write to me at evan@jointheisland.com with what you have accomplished with this guide today. I REALLY look forward to seeing you achieve great results with this Mr. or Ms. Autodidact. And like the old Jedis from a galaxy far far away said, “May the force be with you.”
Until next time,
This is Chief Islander Evan signing off.
Evan Cruz
Evan Cruz is the founder of Join the Island, the website committed to helping young adults become massively productive and reach their full potential.
He has been featured on Vox, OnlineU, and UpJourney. He has also a cited human relations expert and college expert.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.
Read more about Evan and Join the Island here.
This is a very interesting topic indeed. I am not exactly sure where you draw the line here.
I have taught myself many home improvements skills the years. Would you include Bill Gates or Steve Jobs in this category?
Hi Steve. Yes because they successfully redirected their attention to their desire and they became obsessed with what they were attempting to learn and accomplish. And you learning home improvement skills over the years is the same effect, even though you could absolutely magnify it with a lot more attention. Thanks for the comment and if you could do me a favor and come back and tell me how implementing this post gave results of some kind. That would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, this is a really interesting post. I completely agree with the strategy. I think part of the understand the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ can be achieved through asking lots of questions. As a teacher, I am fully aware of how important this is. Often when people don’t understand something they are learning, for some reason they don’t ask questions that give them the clarity they need. This is especially true in classroom environments because of social pressure; people don’t want to be judged for asking silly questions. In my view there is no such thing as a silly question. It is silly to pay to do a course for a few years and come out of it not understanding it or to have not made the most of it. Great post. Thank you for sharing.
Great article, very thorough and informative. I will be putting your advice into practice!
Go get’em Brianne and don’t forget to come back and tell me the results that you got and how it improved your life in any way. Thanks again!
This is a really fantastic post. I totally agree with you about the learning process. As a teacher I know that there is something that people can do that will really help them to understand the ‘how’ and the ‘why’. That is, if you are learning something and you come across something that you don’t really understand – be sure to ask the questions taht will lead to your clarity. Many people will not do this because they are afraid that they will be judged by people. This is especially true in classroom environments. There is no such thing as a silly questions. What is silly however is paying to learn something and not getting the most out of it. Who care what others think. What is important is your success! Thank you for sharing and all the best.
Absolutely Catherine and thank you for your lovely post. Don’t forget to come back and tell me how this post improved your life somehow and the results of the information being implemented!
This is a really fantastic post. I totally agree with you about the learning process. As a teacher I know that there is something that people can do that will really help them to understand the ‘how’ and the ‘why’. That is, if you are learning something and you come across something that you don’t really understand – be sure to ask the questions that will lead to your clarity. Many people will not do this because they are afraid that they will be judged by people. This is especially true in classroom environments. There is no such thing as a silly questions. What is silly however is paying to learn something and not getting the most out of it. Who care what others think. What is important is your success! Thank you for sharing and all the best.
Hey Evan! Man, this just hits home big time! I’m currently busy learning about this business with WA and also about renewable energy via another online course (I’m trying to specialize in commercializing solar energy…). So the challenge for me here has been the physics aspect of the course: learning how to solve formulas and calculations…honestly, this is testing my resolve. So your article is very timely. I’m pretty much on my own with this project (sure, teachers are available online, and they are pretty good, but for the most part, I’m pretty much on my own). Great advice all the way through. Your site is going on my favorites list. Much appreciated and tks for sharing!
You bet Luis! And for the Physics part, there are 2 online resources that could be of very great to use to you. I’m sure you’ve heard of Khan Academy. They have very good videos for Physics which you can access here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihNZlp7iUHE&list=PLAD5B880806EBE0A4 and the other great professor on YouTube that I can recommend for Physics is Michel van Biezen. In fact I think he does a better job of explaining things than Khan Academy even though he’s more for problem solving than concepts. As for MIT Opencourseware, I’m not a fan of it. I don’t think that they do a thorough job of explaining the concepts like other YouTubers do, but that’s just me. Don’t forget to come back and tell how the information on this blog post and any of the other blog posts gave you results in some way. Thanks!
Correction: Tell me how, not just tell. Typo.
Great information and of course it all does work! It is all about putting time into it, repetition, association, which is pretty much what I need to do to get something stuck in my head and not forgotten. Visuals work really well too for me. Repetition and visuals. I guess it all comes down to what works best for each individual.
I agree with that for sure! It does vary from individual to individual. Thanks and definitely give your son this post so that he can implement it and see results from it and tell me how that went and what you got out of using this information here!
Great article very informative and very in depth. I totally agree with this as I did a course like this in the art of remembering. What you talk about really works if you apply it. I recommend people who struggle need to read this article.
Thank you ,
David
No problem David and thanks for your comment. Please do share this with anyone who needs to read this and definitely apply it and come back and tell me the results that you got out of it.
Hi Evan,
Great post, I really like the strategy of remembering a place with a song I like. I will try this, as I’m a natural nerd and love to learn new things all the time.
When you said having a “Why” I want to learn things really hit home for me. It reminded me of some teachings that Tony Robbins speaks about. You really need to have your “why” very clearly, then then how will come.
I’m so grateful that we live in this internet age, where learning is pretty much available to everyone. Thanks for a great post. Please keep on writing more good stuff like this. Have an awesome day1 🙂
Thank you Carmen I appreciate your comment. I actually didn’t think of Tony when I wrote this; I just wrote what has worked from experience. Please do try the place song strategy and come back and tell me the results that came out of it.
Reading this post literally gave me goosebumps and I am so Happy to have read this.
This is because to master things in all my life I am using these exact tips that you mentioned here.
I am also so glad that you master skills like maths in this way because I mastered maths this way.
When I was in primary school I was a below average student and I felt I was not intelligent, But when my father taught me this philosophy of mastering anything I became a top student a school and people were shocked.
I then replicated the process to get my engineering degree and was a top student at my university throughout my degree courses.
I am not living like this and progress with this concept and will do this forever.
I also read a lot of personal development books weekly if am not coaching or at work or working on my business
Thanx for such a great review my fellow engineering friends 🙂
Thank you Thabo and I’m glad that you got a lot out of it and are living proof of this. Please don’t forget to come back for more and give this post to anyone who needs it!
No problem buddy I will do that. Thanx again
You bet!
I will surely do that buddy. Thanx again 😉
Hello Evan, this article is awesome!!! I was unaware of the term Autodidact, so I looked it up for a better understanding. I have always been interesting in sneaker collecting, among many other things. I like to self teach myself about this topic, and keep my attention on this topic. I love to pass my knowledge around with my website readers so they can learn about my topic. I’m also promoting products within my niche in order to make a decent living off of it. There are many things I need to learn on my own, and I try to learn something new everyday. Thanks again for the share. I hope you continue to work hard until your business takes off!!!
Hi Ahmad, I’m glad that you enjoyed the article. Just to clarify, autodidact refers to someone who teaches himself the material that he or she desires to learn without an in-person teacher. Definitely keep as much attention as you can on the sneaker collecting topic that you do business in. With this article, you’ll be obsessed in no time! Thanks for the comment and please do come back and tell me the results that you achieved as a result of reading and implementing this article.
The excellent article read at the right time!
I’m glad that it worked out for you Kavitha! Keep at it and you will become a genius in no time! If you want to further it more, check out another article right here to dive into the process of redirecting your energy to unleash the inner genius!
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