Get Good Fast

College is where you learn the skills that you use the rest of your life. That’s not to say you can’t learn new skills after college, but now is the time to really make great strides in your abilities. Here are a couple things I’ve found that have helped me improve greatly in several different areas.

A more literal version of a "great stride" {Image by notsogoodphotography on flickr.com}

Join/create a group for it on campus: If you’ve ever read any of Malcolm Gladwell, you may have heard of the 10,000 hour rule. Basically, the rule states: to master any skill, you have to spend 10,000 hours practicing it, no exceptions. That said, while you may not need to become world-class, the best way to improve anything is still to find a group of fellow students who are interested in the same thing, and just start practicing. Don’t be afraid to ask older students to join, as many are interested, but just haven’t had enough people to work with in the past.

Keep a journal for the skill: I mentioned this in my article about focus, but the same thing applies here. As Josh Waitzkin, American chess champion turned champion martial artist and author of Art of Learning, said, if someone were to never make the same mistake in their field twice, they would rocket to the top. Consistently reviewing your journal can be the best way to accomplish this.

Get a teacher to help: Many professors are flattered if you go above and beyond the classroom in your pursuit of your interest. Many will willingly offer their advice and time so long as you are respectful of them. Come in with an idea of what exactly you wish to know, and draft a list of questions you’d like to ask them, so as to show you appreciate their time.

Find an older student who knows what’s up: In studies of the classroom, it’s been shown that the best teaching method is generally to teach the smartest students the material, and then have the other students learn from them. Similarly, while a teacher may offer you great guidance, students your age often have a better idea of your immediate concerns. Seniors are often busy, but if you ask respectfully, they often are happy to teach you the groundwork so that you can carry on their legacy.

Above all, though, learn to enjoy what you do: that will serve you far more than the best tip or trick anyone could ever offer you.