Five Lessons about Life and Ultra Learning

Introduction

Speaker has spent nearly a decade studying how to learn better.
Learning extends beyond school: new jobs, travels, starting a new business all involve learning.
Ultra learning: Concept introduced by the speaker, focusing on self-directed and aggressive learning.
Self-directed: You choose the project, how to learn, and why.
Aggressive: Focusing on methods that get results, even if they're difficult at first.

Story 1: Learning French
- Studied abroad but struggled initially.
- Met Benny Lewis, who used a fearless approach to speaking French despite not being ready.
- Adopted Benny's bold strategy and improved.
Story 2: Learning Spanish
- Strict "No English" rule from the start with a friend in Spain.
- Faster and more effective learning through immersion.
- Created a habit of using the new language.
Conclusion: Immersion can be more effective and easier in the long run.

Regret over studying business instead of computer science.
Discovered free high-quality MIT classes online.
Undertook the MIT Challenge: Learning a 4-year computer science curriculum in 12 months.
Importance of goals that are both scary and exciting.
Fear and excitement are physiologically similar; both energize and focus us.
Result: Completing the challenge opened up unexpected opportunities.

Story: Tristan de Montebello's public speaking ultra learning project.
- Extensive public speaking practice and feedback.
- Became a finalist in the World Champion of Public Speaking.
Research supports that feedback is not always beneficial.
Key: Ignore inconsistent feedback; pay attention to repeating patterns.
More feedback helps build resilience and cuts down fear.

Story: Vat Jaiswal, struggled to find a job due to recession.
- Started own project to improve architecture skills.
- Combined study and practical application to rebuild a stronger portfolio.
- Quickly secured job offers.
Transfer of learning is hard.
Practice directly what you want to get good at.

Inspired by Zig Ziglar's quote: "Happiness is not pleasure, happiness is victory."
Speaker's slight amendment: Happiness is the expansion of possibility.
Outcomes are secondary to the feeling of expanding potential.
Example: Tristan’s newfound confidence to tackle ambitious projects.
Conclusion: Pursue projects that expand your perceived capabilities and possibilities.

Your best moments stem from realizing new possibilities for your life.
Question to ponder: If you could accomplish a seemingly challenging task, what else could you do?
It’s about who you can become through these ambitious projects.

Thank you!

Applause