ML99: Nat Eliason on How To Teach Yourself Anything, The Art of Self-Experimentation and Practical Lessons from Building Businesses
Dec 13, 2017
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Nat Eliason, founder of Growth Machine, teaches how to self-teach with the sandbox method, manage self-experiments, and shares career lessons from building a blog and business. They also discuss misconceptions of career advice, differentiating good and bad content, and unconventional beliefs.
Taking action and applying what you learn is crucial for effective learning and personal growth.
Self-directed learning allows individuals to gain deep knowledge and expertise in areas that genuinely interest them.
Focusing on real-world results, building a strong portfolio, and continuously learning and adapting are more valuable for career success than traditional measures like resumes and GPAs.
Deep dives
The importance of taking action and applying what you learn
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the importance of taking action and applying what you learn. The speaker emphasizes that simply consuming information without putting it into practice is a common mistake. The key to learning effectively is to start doing and experimenting with the skills and knowledge. Whether it's trying out a new diet, starting a business, or pursuing a new hobby, taking action and gaining real-world experience is crucial for personal growth and development.
The power of self-directed learning
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the power of self-directed learning. The guest on the show shares his personal experience of being dissatisfied with traditional education and finding more value in pursuing self-education. He highlights the importance of being curious and pursuing topics that genuinely interest you. By taking control of your own learning and seeking out resources and experiences that align with your interests, you can gain deep knowledge and expertise in areas that truly matter to you.
The fallacy of following conventional career advice
The podcast challenges conventional career advice and highlights its limitations. The guest argues that following the traditional path of focusing on resumes, GPAs, and attending career fairs may not necessarily lead to success or fulfillment. Instead, he encourages individuals to focus on real-world results and tangible accomplishments. Building a strong portfolio, gaining hands-on experience, and continuously learning and adapting are seen as more valuable elements in building a successful career in today's rapidly changing world.
Recognizing artificial complexity and seeking simplicity
The concept of artificial complexity is introduced in the podcast. The speaker argues that in a world inundated with information, many topics and subjects are made artificially complex for various reasons such as profit or establishing authority. The guest advises individuals to question whether a topic is unnecessarily complex and seek out simplified explanations and approaches. By recognizing unnecessary complexity and focusing on practical, clear, and concise information, individuals can overcome obstacles and pursue their interests more effectively.
The value of experimentation and iteration
The podcast highlights the value of experimentation and iteration in personal and professional growth. The guest shares his experiences with self-experimentation in various areas of life, from health and fitness to career choices. He emphasizes the importance of trying new things, learning from failures, and continuously iterating and refining one's approach. By embracing a mindset of experimentation and being open to new experiences and ideas, individuals can uncover their passions, optimize their learning, and thrive in the ever-changing 21st century.
Nat Eliason is the founder of Growth Machine, a new content marketing business and the host of the Made You Think and Nat Chat podcasts. In this conversation we discuss: - How to teach yourself anything with the sandbox method - How to run and manage self-experimentation projects - Career lessons from building a thriving blog, podcast and a business So whether you’re looking to upgrade your learning or run a few more self-experiments this episode has you covered.
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