Emma had always wanted to play the guitar, but between work, family, and other commitments, she never found the time. The idea of spending years mastering the instrument felt overwhelming—until she stumbled upon a concept that changed everything. Instead of aiming for perfection, she committed to just 20 focused hours of practice. Breaking the skill into manageable steps, she dedicated a little time each day, learning the basic chords, strumming techniques, and simple songs. By the end of her journey, she could confidently play her favorite tune, surprising even herself with how quickly she had improved.
If Emma could do it, what’s stopping you from learning something new?
The 20-Hour Learning Principle
Josh Kaufman, in his book The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything...Fast!, introduced a powerful learning strategy for rapid skill acquisition. Unlike the “10,000-hour rule” for mastery, Kaufman’s approach focuses on achieving a functional level of competence quickly.
Key Steps:
- Deconstruct the skill – Break it into smaller components.
- Learn enough to self-correct – Focus on core principles.
- Remove barriers to practice – Eliminate distractions.
- Practice deliberately – Commit to at least 20 hours.
Kaufman’s method emphasizes efficiency, helping learners overcome the initial frustration barrier. To see him explain this approach, watch his TEDx Talk here.
The Power of Smart Learning
At PMI, we believe in learning smarter, not longer. Whether it’s supply chain expertise, leadership skills, or industry insights, applying the 20-hour principle can accelerate your professional growth.
Are you ready to take the first step?