The First 20 Hours

How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!

by Josh Kaufman

4.1(1,118 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book shows how you can quickly build basic competence in almost any skill by practicing in a strategic, deliberate way. You’ll discover that the initial hours of focused effort help you progress faster than you might think, and you’ll learn exactly how to get started without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Introduction

Imagine picking up a new hobby — say, learning a new language or taking up painting — and feeling accomplished in just a few hours. That’s the promise of rapid skill acquisition. Rather than waiting years to get ’good enough,’ you focus on the most important parts first.

By honing in on core tasks and practicing them intentionally, you can break past the usual obstacles that scare people away from trying something new. The idea isn’t to master the skill completely, but rather to become capable and confident quickly.

Your goal is to practice smart, not just put in random hours. This sets the stage for easy wins, all while keeping you motivated to keep pushing further into a skill you once found intimidating.

In this introduction, you’ll see how simple shifts in mindset, preparation, and technique can unlock significant improvement in a fraction of the time. Let’s see how it all comes together.

The 20-Hour Mindset

One of the key insights is that building a new skill doesn’t have to be a massive commitment. Instead, commit to around 20 hours of solid, focused practice — about 45 minutes or an hour a day for a month.

These first hours are when your brain transitions from zero knowledge to basic competence. You’ll quickly see that you can perform tasks you couldn’t do before, boosting your confidence to keep going.

This structured approach helps bypass the fear that many people associate with learning. Rather than thinking, “I need 10,000 hours to be great,” you simply aim for ‘good enough’ to achieve meaningful results.

The biggest barrier to success isn’t lack of talent; it’s giving up too early.

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What is The First 20 Hours about?

"The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!" by Josh Kaufman is a groundbreaking guide for anyone overwhelmed by the idea of embarking on a new learning journey. This book taps into the concept of rapid skill acquisition, emphasizing that you don’t need to spend a lifetime mastering any discipline. Instead, Kaufman focuses on attaining basic competence quickly so that you can enjoy new skills more rapidly than traditionally expected.

At the heart of the book is the innovative idea that the initial 20 hours of strategic practice matter most. Kaufman takes readers through deconstructing skills into manageable subskills, employing efficient feedback loops, and strategies to maintain motivation despite early frustrations. By focusing on these foundational hours, he clears away the myth of the "10,000-hour rule," offering a practical alternative to those eager to learn swiftly.

This book is essential reading for anyone who believes they've missed their chance to learn something new. Kaufman inspires and equips readers with the tools to overcome barriers, and his approach is backed by practical examples demonstrating successful rapid skill acquisition. From playing a musical instrument to learning a new language, "The First 20 Hours" instills confidence that mastery may be closer than you think.

Review of The First 20 Hours

Josh Kaufman's "The First 20 Hours" offers a refreshing take on the art of learning, breaking away from conventional methods that demand years of dedication. One of its standout strengths is the simplicity of its approach: by concentrating on the early phase of learning a skill, Kaufman helps demystify the learning process, making it highly accessible. He skillfully guides readers through steps to deconstruct skills, smoothing the path for rapid progress.

The book excels in its practical application. Readers will find actionable strategies and real-life examples that explore how to tackle learning challenges head-on. It strikes a perfect balance between theory and practice, ensuring that even beginners feel equipped and motivated. Kaufman's conversational style provides clarity and maintains engagement, making it a delightful read for anyone, regardless of their learning level.

"The First 20 Hours" is a compelling read for those confined by the belief that learning happens over a prolonged time. Kaufman's insights remove common roadblocks, allowing readers to swiftly achieve notable proficiency in their desired skills. His method fosters ongoing learning, as initial hurdles are quickly overcome, providing immediate tangible benefits.

In summation, Josh Kaufman presents a transformative method to skill acquisition by unpacking methods that surprisingly produce significant results in minimal time. This book isn't just an instructional manual—it's an illuminating companion toward becoming a more confident learner. Highly recommended for those eager to explore new horizons.

Who should read The First 20 Hours?

**Time-Pressed Professionals:** Busy individuals seeking to quickly upskill or adapt to new technologies will find Kaufman's methods efficient and manageable within tight schedules.
**Curious Polymaths:** Those who are passionate about learning diverse skills will appreciate focusing their energy on mastering the essentials swiftly before moving to the next interest.
**Habitual Lifelong Learners:** Readers driven by self-improvement will enjoy breaking their nine-to-five routines with this structured approach to incorporating new skills into daily life.
**Educators and Trainers:** Professionals in educational roles can use Kaufman's insights to rejuvenate traditional teaching methods, aligning student motivations with clear, rapid progression.
**Recovering Perfectionists:** Individuals who fear starting new skills due to the pursuit of perfection can benefit from the author's emphasis on prioritizing competency in early learning phases.

About the author

Josh Kaufman is a bestselling author specializing in business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, applied psychology, and practical wisdom. He is known for his multidisciplinary approach to business mastery and rapid skill acquisition, which has helped millions of readers worldwide. His work includes "The First 20 Hours," a guide on learning new skills quickly, and "The Personal MBA: Master The Art of Business," which has sold over 1 million copies. He has been featured in numerous publications and has given talks at various institutions, including Stanford University and the Aspen Ideas Festival.