Intermediate training guide

We stopped our previous training guide where you can read and remember what you read. Only this memory does not usually last more than a couple of days. So we need to practice a new set of skills.

This part of the training is still a work in progress.  It will be finalized by the end of 2021, but you can already use it. I address the skills explained in the masterclasses. Please expect some bumpy ride. For each step, use as much time as you need to do the job, between 1 and 12 weeks. If you are not pleased with your progress after 6 weeks, please contact me [email protected].

Prior to trying this procedure, complete the fundamental skills training.

When complete, consider advanced skills training.

Build a reading diary [Speedreading/Memory]

1. Create a spreadsheet where you put the links to the articles you read and 5 keywords describing each.
2. Visualize a thumbnail image to recall each article and to accompany the keywords. This is your visual marker.
3. For books, per ~10 pages chapter write down 5 words and generate a visual marker.
4. Use priority marking (colors/highlights) for your keywords to notice the priority of the article.
5. Practice notetaking on a separate screen. Consider using multiple screens. The recommended number of screens is 2 for reading, 4 for productivity.

About 90% of what we see does not get read, or does not get markers, or does not get priority for further processing. Probably 9% is marked and added as support material to high-priority stuff. Around 1% of the articles read are high priority. Qualifying achievement: reading 100 articles per day.

[I read 400 articles or 5 books per day and do the reflection part]

Practice reflection [Speedreading/Analysis/Creativity]

1. After reading an article ask questions, using any questioning methods you find appropriate including 5WH and Socratic questioning.
2. Verify the statistical and logical validity of the main claims and arguments. What are the hidden interests of the author? Are the statistics based on scientifically sound methodology? Is the propositional logic sound?
3. Can the article be summarized like a logical equation? If so, add to the reading diary.
4. If the article contains details for long-term memorization like dates, names, and statistics, add the details to spaced repetition.
5. How can the article be of practical use? If it can, add an entry in the relevant diary.
6. Is the article cool enough to trigger daydreaming? If it is, take a Pomodoro break for daydreaming.

On average I spend approximately as much time reflecting on what I read as actually reading. This step enables later recall and provides creative associations. At least once per day daydream about something you read. If there is no daydreaming, try to modify your reading portfolio.

Start blogging [Speedreading/Speedwriting]

1. Build public or a private blog. You can use anything from WordPress, social media, and Google docs. It is best when the format is online and available from multiple devices.
2. Group ~8 diary entries around each high priority entry. Add the reflection summary. This is the basis of your article.
3. Base on your speedwriting speed, write articles between 400 and 2400 words.
4. If your typic speed is slow (below 40 wpm), consider typing training or use dictation.
5. Apply minimal editing. Try to see holes in logic and ask questions for follow-up reading.
6. Perform follow-up reading on the subject and make more rounded articles.
7. You are supposed to write at least once a week. If you do not write, you will probably forget the whole subject.

Qualifying achievement: 2 hours per article of 800 words. [I write around 10000 words of keytostudy articles on a good day]. You are not supposed to be Pulitzer prize winners. Just use what you learned actively and creatively.

Practice diffusion [Speedreading/Diffusion/Analysis]

1. Unless we take extraordinary steps, we live in a “filter bubble”. This means we read only the stuff we agree with.
2. For 10% of your time intentionally read the stuff you do not agree with. If you are a democrat read republican texts and vice versa. Read the publications of your competitors. Study paradigms you do not agree with.
3. Each time you get emotional about what you read divide your mind into the participant and observer. If you took my masterclass, use the procedure within.
4. Merge the attention back for effective speedreading and reflection.
5. Notice each time your attention splits unintentionally while speedreading, and merge it back.

Qualifying achievement: You should be able to present the arguments of your opponents in a convincing way without getting emotional. Ideally, you should also be able to present counter-arguments. You are not supposed to be swiped by the opposite ideology one way or another. [I am a Jew, and in history studies, I occasionally need to read the Nazi’s perspective and argumentation.]

Develop anchor markers [Memory/Anchoring]

1. Unless we take special steps, many of us are likely to become demotivated.
2. For 10% of your time read the stuff that motivates you. This can be something about justice, role models, the future of technology, trends, and so on.
3. Read the motivational stuff when you are demotivated.
4. Allocate a marker to how you feel before reading, and another marker to how you feel after reading.
5. Perform the NLP Swish Pattern.
6. Before you start reading consider the NLP Circle of Competence pattern.
7. Use the anchor markers to focus each time after the Pomodoro break.

Qualifying achievement: You shoud be able to read when you are not focused or energetic. And you should feel that you regain focus and energy after reading. Use anchoring to achieve this,

Practice creative flow state [Productivity/Creativity]

1. Have a diary of subjects you want to daydream about or to tinker with.
2. Once a week generate a complex project. The desired output can be a presentation of a new idea.
3. Ensure that you have all the prerequisites: knowledge about the subject, questions and ideas you want to check, plans for follow-up activities.
4. Make sure you will not be interrupted for at least 4 hours.
5. Brainstorm the subject
6. Select the most viable ideas
7. Apply SCAMPER, TRIZ, or other relevant methodology.
8. Try to solve a complex problem with all details involved.

Qualifying achievement: Some sort of invention. Can be technology, but also a way to do things better.

Double your reading time [Productivity/Lifestyle]

1. Organize your activities into pipelines reusing resources.
2. Drop the activities you do not need.
3. Ensure you have enough sleep, proper food, and smart hobby.
4. Make sure that the hardest activity is done in flow state.
5. Allocate more time for reading by reorganizing the remaining activities.

Qualifying achievement: Reading and writing 20 hours per week. This is actually very hard, and I personally barely keep up with this standard.