AI has become an integral part of our lives. In fact, I often rely on AI, particularly ChatGPT and New Bing, to help me learn new skills and gather knowledge. Before diving into how I do it, I want to debunk a common myth about learning new things.
The journey to acquiring skills and knowledge isn't always a straight line - from a clear starting point to a defined ending point. In fact, it's more like stepping into a circle. Many of us keep waiting for that 'perfect' starting point, but truth be told, it's often elusive, if not downright non-existent. Most of the time, the best approach is to just dive right in, immersing yourself in unfamiliar territory.
The initial phase of 'getting familiar' with a new skill or knowledge domain is often the most daunting. It's like groping in the dark, trying to make sense of things that are totally alien. But once you've crossed this phase, you're on the inside, and navigating becomes significantly easier. This is usually where a teacher or a mentor can guide us, but guess what? With AI, you can now navigate this process on your own, and potentially at a faster pace. However, if you're a complete beginner, be wary of getting caught up in the systematic structure of the knowledge; it can be quite overwhelming and may derail your learning journey.
One of the most effective strategies I've used to speed up the learning process is something I like to call the "100 keywords" method. The idea is simple yet powerful: familiarize yourself with 100 keywords in your new skill or knowledge area as quickly as possible. AI tools like ChatGPT and New Bing can make this process even more efficient. Here's how you can do it:
1) Start by asking your AI assistant to provide a list of 100 keywords relevant to your new area of learning. If that feels too much, start with 10 and gradually increase. You can also ask your AI companion to explain each keyword. If you're completely new to the topic, don't hesitate to tell the AI that. You can even role-play and tell it you're an 8-year old; this can make the explanations more digestible (though it might limit how deep you can go).
2) Next, take the time to learn these keywords. If you encounter a keyword that's hard to understand, ask your AI partner for a more detailed explanation. Remember, the AI is always patient.
3) Continue this process, adding more keywords to your list.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while using this method:
1) Don't worry too much about getting everything right at the first go. Just becoming familiar is a great start.
2) Resist the urge to categorize or summarize too early.
3) Don't try to cram all the learning into one session. It's counterproductive. Start with a manageable chunk, like 10 keywords, and return the next day. You'll be amazed at how your brain processes and retains information.
While AI can be a fantastic aid in your learning journey, remember it's a tool. It can guide you, but the onus of diving deep and truly understanding the subject matter still lies with you. AI has its limitations, at least as of now. Who knows what the future holds? Until then, let's make the best use of the tools at hand. Happy learning!
