Issue #51: 5 Ways to Master Something New
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, October 25th. We received quite a few emails about Issue #50. Seriously, nothing better than hearing what you think of Thrive25 (it's like finding a $20 bill in your jeans that just went through the wash). 😁
“Learning never exhausts the mind.”
From the Lab: Learning Takes Patience (and Social Indifference)
Take Action: Take Notes, Test, & Repeat
Speed Read: Limitless
Tuesday QR: Paleo Breakfast Tacos
Bucket List: The Festival of Lights
The percentage of new information we forget within 1 hour. This increases to 70% within 24 hours. (Credit)
From the Lab
Whether for personal or professional growth, learning unlocks the key to life's experiences.
But, sometimes learning something new is like putting skis on for the first time as an adult and being surrounded by 5-yr olds on the bunny hill.
Here's the thing - it might feel like trying to climb back up that hill. Easier said than done, but to really master something new:
Have patience
Stay positive
Adapt
Start small (like really small)
So what's the best way to really take on learning something new?
Take Action
Test Yourself: learn material and immediately see what you recall - give yourself constant micro-quizzes and check to see what's locked in your active memory.
Spaced Repetition: review of material at regular time intervals to strengthen the brain and the connections between nerve cells - produces long-term retention of new info.
Sit Up Straight: change your posture as if what you're learning is the most interesting thing in the world. Seriously try it - this slight shift activates your brain's attention and increases your oxygen flow.
Really Listen: 25% of us learn best through audio (We're not these people). Tune out distractions and engage the material or the presenter with questions (even if you keep them to yourself).
Take Notes: use handwritten notes (even if on a tablet) and put notes in your own words of what you learned. Writing it out slows you down so you don't just try to write everything you read or hear. (Speakers talk at 100 words/min, but we can only write 12 words/min). The tip below really hit me as an aha moment:
BONUS: Music often helps with learning. Although most studies suggest baroque music - think Bach (listen here). Be the DJ - just make sure it brings you into focus, not distraction.
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Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Still Need a Halloween Costume?: This image of an ant is turning heads as one of the top submissions in Nikon’s annual microphotography competition. The winner was an embryonic hand of a Madagascar giant day gecko. (Check out some great art)
Limitless: Nope, not the book from yesterday, not the movie, not the book the movie’s based on, and not the TV show based on the movie based on the book. Chris Hemsworth stars in National Geographic’s new 6-episode series going through various physical and mental challenges that force the God of Thunder to push beyond his limits. The show starts Nov 16th and features some of our favorites - including Dr. Peter Attia. Watch party anyone? (Disney+)
Green Tea is Money: I love green tea and it seems I'm not the only one - it's got an expected global market cap of $23.95B by 2030. Its main ingredient, EGCG, shows well-researched benefits that range from improved mental health, cholesterol, memory, DNA repair, neurodegenerative disease, and bone health. (Health.com)
Historical Players Making History: Rory McIlroy won the CJ Cup at Congaree over the weekend, returning to World #1. McIlroy ranks 4th all time in weeks at #1 (1. Tiger - 683, 2. Shark - 331, 3. DJ - 135, 4. Rory - 107 and counting). And on the LPGA, Lydia Ko wins the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea for her 18th victory - this puts her 1 behind Mickey Wright in victories by her age, 25 years 6 months. (PGA, LPGA, NLU)
Tuesday QR (Quick Recipe)
Easy, quick & delicious breakfast tacos. Eggs are a super healthy way to start the day - full of protein, choline, Vitamin A and Vitamin E (don't worry about any false media headlines). Plus, salsa and avocado - can't have a bad day after this breakfast.
Maybe check out those Jicama tortillas from Trader Joe's. Oh and Bobby Parrish suggests the Frontera Double Smoked Tomato Salsa. Just saying.
Bucket List
Diwali, the Festival of Lights!
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a 5 day festival that started Friday and ends Wednesday.
15 years ago, I had an opportunity to visit India for 3 weeks. It was an unreal experience visiting religious sites across Tamil Nadu. While the festivals in my neighborhood are pretty cool, sign me up for the parties in one of these cities.
Thanks for joining us today!
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Why Thrive25
We’re 40-something dads that felt our bodies and minds start to slow down and we’re not ready for that. We found too much information on every subject. So we started Thrive25 to transform what we’ve learned into something useful for the rest of us to spend just 3-5 min a day to optimize our health & longevity.
This newsletter is for you and we truly value your feedback. Never hesitate to reach out to us at team@thrive25.com.
To health!
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.