For more than a decade, keytostudy has been my only blog. Now, I am about to launch two separate product lines. Here is why.
Autobiographical perspective
When I started writing for the keytostudy blog, I was simply providing my advice to students that needed it. Later the most effective pieces of advice were formalized into books and videocourses, so I started to write about the subjects that interest me. Still, later, guest writers added their voices to mine, providing cool reviews of many subjects. The subjects of accelerated learning became limited to four months between mid-August and mid-January. I want to start focusing the discussion on accelerated learning once again.
KeyToStudy: Memory, Speedreading, Creativity
When I speak about accelerated learning I usually address three aspects: memory, acquisition of knowledge, and creativity. Each of these subjects is infinitely complex.
Memory encompasses short-term and long-term, visual and audio memory, as well as a larger subject of mnemonic techniques.
Speedreading actively uses visualization and eye training, and also includes some non-trivial biohacking, effectively using our senses to achieve strange things like synesthesia.
Creativity is not limited to idea generation and also comes with research skills, speedwriting, critical thinking, and more. To be honest, all of these subjects are deeply interconnected and should be practiced together, with an emphasis on compound benefit.
I am not talking here about small improvements. For example, using speedreading I improved my own reading speed from 100 words per minute to 10,000 words per minute. The effect over several years is almost unbelievable.
KeyToVision: Productivity, Investment, Projects
Once we learn new skills we need to apply them. We need to learn and apply quickly, with great effect, as well as use complex technological tools to achieve goals. This blog is intended for doctors, lawyers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
The subject of productivity in my understanding focuses on effective multitasking, flow (superfluidity) state, and creative procrastination. Another aspect of productivity is acquiring good habits, like using correct nootropics and sleephacking. Notice that I intentionally do not focus on planning and scheduling, since they are covered well by others.
My interpretation of investment deals with creating a diverse portfolio and enjoying compound interest not just in a financial sense, but also with respect to softer skills and professional credentials. No economist can clearly compare the benefits of investing your first 100 thousand dollars in an advanced degree, a house, or a stock portfolio – and yet all of us have to decide. Fortunately, either way, we can analyze trends, consider the return on investment, and train discipline.
Projects deal with moonlighting activities, including programming and tinkering among other things. One of the main questions I am asked: how do other skills like speedreading contribute to the programming skillset and benefit from it? My focus is on a more general approach rather than specific tools.
SmartOrFun: Motivation, Teaching, Mastery
In this blog, I want to handle kind of all other subjects I enjoy. As such, it is a bit messy.
When I discuss motivation, I do not intend to use empty words or magical thinking. Instead, I rely on the most powerful techniques of CBT, NLP, and ACT that still do not require a professional license. In my interpretation, these are self-help tools that can deal with a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, and various psychological biases.
When I consider teaching, I focus on developing a polymath mindset, acquiring and mentoring a wide range of mutually beneficial skillsets. Quite often we literally learn best by teaching others.
The subject of mastery I treat as I want. Sorry. Sometimes I may discuss music or calligraphy or professional empowerment. Really I follow anything I find interesting.
Since this blog covers a rather wide set of subjects, I may choose to explore history or philosophy, maybe lifestyle and lifehacks, and other hobbies. I am not sure if general knowledge is smart or fun, but I definitely address it here.
You kind of need all three
While I currently find it more comfortable to separate the three skillsets, this separation is arbitrary. You kind of need all three: acquire knowledge, utilize the knowledge, and have fun while doing it. I definitely think that creative and productive work is one of the best experiences a person can have, a true privilege that comes with mastery. Since my own process starts with memorization and ends with mastery I clearly see different ways in which the subjects I discuss contribute to each other and provide further and deeper perspectives.
A superstar is not required
You definitely do not need to be a superstar to be your best self. Anyone can acquire the skills that I dare to teach. While it may seem that I am all over, there are many subjects I do not even dare to discuss. I am definitely not a superstar as far as I see myself. I do think that when a person discusses such a wide range of skillsets, he can better outline the way various skills work together and benefit one another.
It is not theoretical
Well, the blog articles can be quite theoretical, let me assure you that the books and courses are very practical. For each subject vertical I have on average four courses, one book in writing, and a family member willing to teach or coach the subject. Something that is purely theoretical simply does not deserve to be taught.
Please read my other blogs
During 2023-2024, as a way to encourage my readers to read my other blogs, I will occasionally provide time-limited hidden benefits within them. But even without these potential give-aways, I seriously encourage you to read my other blogs. You may also ask me to write about a specific subject or maybe you will want yourself to write about something. You are welcome to discuss this with me.
