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Forget the 10,000 hour rule� what if it�s possible to learn the basics of any new skill in 20 hours or less? Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What�s on your list? What�s holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills�time you don�t have and effort you can�t spare? Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? To make matters worse, the early hours of prac�ticing something new are always the most frustrating. That�s why it�s difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It�s so much easier to watch TV or surf the web . . . In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition� how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct com�plex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By complet�ing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you�ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. Kaufman personally field-tested the meth�ods in this book. You�ll have a front row seat as he develops a personal yoga practice, writes his own web-based computer programs, teaches himself to touch type on a nonstandard key�board, explores the oldest and most complex board game in history, picks up the ukulele, and learns how to windsurf. Here are a few of the sim�ple techniques he teaches: Define your target performance level: Fig�ure out what your desired level of skill looks like, what you�re trying to achieve, and what you�ll be able to do when you�re done. The more specific, the better. Deconstruct the skill: Most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller subskills. If you break down the subcompo�nents, it�s easier to figure out which ones are most important and practice those first. Eliminate barriers to practice: Removing common distractions and unnecessary effort makes it much easier to sit down and focus on deliberate practice. Create fast feedback loops: Getting accu�rate, real-time information about how well you�re performing during practice makes it much easier to improve. Whether you want to paint a portrait, launch a start-up, fly an airplane, or juggle flaming chain�saws, The First 20 Hours will help you pick up the basics of any skill in record time . . . and have more fun along the way.