how to become an expert on anything in two hours

The idea of becoming an “expert” in two hours is largely a misconception, often fueled by sensationalized headlines.

Read more about how to be an expert on anything:
how to be an expert on something

True expertise, characterized by deep understanding, extensive experience, and the ability to innovate, takes significant time and consistent effort.

However, if “expert” is interpreted as gaining a foundational understanding or becoming proficient enough to discuss a topic intelligently, then certain strategies can accelerate this initial learning.

This approach focuses on rapid acquisition of core concepts.

Rapid Core Concept Acquisition

To quickly grasp a new subject, the focus must be on identifying and understanding the most critical, foundational elements that underpin the entire domain.

This is not about memorization but about conceptual understanding.

• Identify Key Terms and Definitions: Start by compiling a list of essential terminology. Use reliable sources like encyclopedias, reputable online glossaries, or the introduction chapters of leading textbooks. Understanding these terms is like learning the alphabet of a new language. For instance, if learning about blockchain, terms like “distributed ledger,” “cryptography,” “hash,” and “consensus mechanism” are fundamental.
• Grasp the “Why” and “What”: Instead of getting bogged down in intricate details, focus on the overarching purpose and function of the subject. Why does this field exist? What problems does it solve? What are its main components or applications? For example, for artificial intelligence, understand why it’s developed (to automate tasks, analyze data, make predictions) and what its main branches are (machine learning, deep learning, NLP).
• Utilize Explainer Videos and Infographics: Visual and concise explanations can convey complex ideas rapidly. Platforms like YouTube (e.g., CrashCourse, Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell), Khan Academy, and various educational websites offer high-quality explainer content designed for quick comprehension. Many studies, including those by the National Training Laboratories, suggest that people retain significantly more information through active participation and visual learning compared to passive listening.

Strategic Information Consumption

Efficiently consuming information is crucial when time is limited.

This means prioritizing sources and employing techniques that maximize retention and understanding per minute.

• Leverage Summaries and Introductions: Don’t read entire books. Instead, focus on executive summaries, chapter introductions, conclusions, and glossaries. Many academic papers also have excellent abstracts that condense the core findings. This allows you to extract the main points without delving into exhaustive detail.
• Use the “20% that Delivers 80%”: Apply the Pareto Principle. Identify the 20% of information or concepts that will give you 80% of the practical understanding. This often involves focusing on the most frequently used terms, core methodologies, or prevalent theories. For instance, in learning a new programming language, focus on basic syntax, data types, and control structures, rather than obscure libraries.
• Actively Take Notes and Summarize: As you consume information, actively write down key points, definitions, and connections in your own words. This active processing helps with retention. Try to summarize each segment of information in one or two sentences. This forces you to distill the essence of the concept.

Focused Application and Discussion

Even with limited time, trying to apply what you’ve learned and discussing it can significantly solidify understanding and reveal immediate gaps. how to be an expert on something

• Formulate Questions: As you learn, continuously formulate questions about the topic. This simulates an active inquiry process and helps you identify areas that are still unclear. Try to answer these questions as you go.
• Explain to a Layperson (or Yourself): The Feynman Technique is incredibly powerful. Try to explain the core concepts of the subject to someone who knows nothing about it, using simple language. If you struggle to explain it, it indicates a gap in your own understanding. Even explaining it aloud to yourself can be beneficial.
• Identify Next Steps for Deeper Dive: Recognize that two hours is just the beginning. At the end of your session, identify specific areas that pique your interest or areas where you still feel weak. This sets the stage for future, more in-depth learning, shifting from basic comprehension to the start of genuine expertise.