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The First 20 Hours

Josh Kaufman

Josh Kaufman's book challenges the belief that mastering a skill takes thousands of hours. He debunks learning myths, emphasizes deliberate practice and clear goals, and covers overcoming challenges. Kaufman's case studies on ukulele playing and language learning illustrate how structured learning, deliberate practice, and consistency lead to rapid skill acquisition.

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Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

acquisition / ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən /noun

the act of gaining or developing a skill, habit, or quality

The process of rapid skill acquisition.

skill learningmasterygaining knowledge

competence / ˈkɒmpɪtəns /noun

The ability to do something successfully or efficiently

She demonstrated competence in her role as project manager.

skillproficiencyexpertisecapability

compelling / kəmˈpɛlɪŋ /adjective

evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way

He presents a compelling argument.

convincingpersuasivecaptivating

myths / mɪθs /noun

Widely held but false beliefs or ideas

dispelling common myths

misconceptionsfallaciesurban legends

efficient / ɪˈfɪʃənt /adjective

achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense

The company has introduced efficient methods of production.

effectiveproductivestreamlined

groundbreaking / ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ /adjective

Innovative and pioneering; representing a significant shift or progress in a particular field

The scientist developed a groundbreaking method for sustainable energy production.

revolutionarypioneeringinnovativetrailblazing

debunking / diːˈbʌŋkɪŋ /noun

The act of exposing the falseness of something

Debunking myths about climate change is crucial for promoting informed action.

refutingdisprovingexposing

deter / dɪˈtɜːr /verb

To discourage or prevent someone from doing something

The high cost of the course might deter some students.

discouragepreventhinderrestrain

strides / straɪdz /noun

progress toward a goal or improvement in a skill

She has made great strides in her reading ability.

advancesprogressimprovements

concentrated / ˈkɒnsəntreɪtɪd /adjective

Involving a high level of intense effort, focus, or density within a limited period or space

He spent a concentrated effort on his training to master the technique.

intensivefocuseddeliberatecondensed

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