Scott Young on Mastering How to Get Better at Anything

Life depends on learning. We spend decades in school acquiring an education. We take pride in mastering a craft, or a sport, or a game. The things we do in our careers or even just for fun are enjoyed to a large extent because we feel we are capable of getting better at them. 

We yearn for mastery.

But learning can be elusive. We may spend hours studying and still not do well on an exam.  Improvement can be fickle - if it comes at all. Sometimes we improve effortlessly, and other times it can be a slog. Many of us can spend years hitting a tennis ball, playing chess, or working at our jobs, and not reliably get better at any of them. Why is that and more importantly, what can be done? 

In Scott Young’s new book, Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery, he explores the science of skill acquisition, illustrating the basic principles that can help us get better at the things that matter most.

Scott was a prior guest on the show in episode 37 when we discussed his Wall Street Journal bestseller Ultralearning. He is also a podcast host and, a computer programmer. Since 2006, he has published weekly essays to help people learn and think better. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Pocket, and Business Insider, on the BBC, and at TEDx.

While he doesn’t promise to have all the answers, he does give us a good place to start. 

Scott is a wellspring of knowledge about learning and provides a way for us all to be able to live our lives more fully.