DR.

OAKLEY TEACHES THE WORLD’S MOST POPU-

A MIND FOR NUMBERS
“Persistence is often more important than intelligence.
Approaching material with a goal of learning it on your
own gives you a unique path to mastery.”
Dr. Barbara Oakley
LAR ONLINE COURSE: “LEARNING HOW TO LEARN”
SHE IS A DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR OF GLOBAL
DIGITAL LEARNING, SPECIALIZING IN
NEUROSCIENCE AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY.
SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS
INCLUDING THE NATIONAL BESTSELLERS,
A MIND FOR NUMBERS AND MINDSHIFT.

30-Second Summary
Dr. Oakley teaches us how to learn anything quickly,
effectively, and permanently. In short, studying a problem in
a laser-focused way until you reach a solution is not an
effective way to learn. Rather, it involves taking the time to
step away from a problem and allow the more relaxed and
creative part of the brain to take over. Dr. Oakley
encourages us to go beyond our preconceived ideas about
what is possible for us to learn. Even seemingly “bad” traits,
such as a poor memory, come with hidden advantages—like
increased creativity. This is good news for those of us who
believe we’re at a disadvantage if we pursue a new field later
in life; Dr. Oakley assures us that those who change careers
can be fertile cross-pollinators: They bring valuable insights
from one discipline to another. There’s no excuse not to
start now.
BIG IDEA #1
SECOND SKILLING
Why This Is Important
Know this— Modern careers are more like conveyor
belts. You must keep moving and learning no matter what
At a time when you are constantly being asked to retrain stage you’re at.
and reinvent yourself to adapt to new technologies and What to do— Focus on growing a second skill that
changing industries, this book shows you how to uncover arises from both work-related needs and passions.
and develop talents you didn’t realize you had—no
matter your age or background.

You need to focus intently to be able to solve

problems—yet that focus can also block you from
accessing the fresh approach you may need. This book
teaches you how to open that gateway.
You are more likely to develop a passion for what you
are good at. The mistake is thinking if you aren’t good at
something, you do not have and can never develop a
passion for it. This book teaches you to revisit those
areas that you misconceived as weaknesses.
BIG IDEA #2
SELECTIVE IGNORANCE
Know this— You only have so much cognitive energy.
What to do— Be selective about what you choose to
become an expert in—you don’t want to be typecast as an
expert in areas you do not want to spend time on.
 BIG IDEA #3 BIG IDEA #4
REFRAMING FOCUS VS. DIFFUSE THINKING MODES

Know this — Reframing is a mental trick that allows you to find the
positive ways to think about a negative occurrence.
What to do — See problems as opportunities. Consciously find a
way to change the meaning of what is experienced by looking outside
of yourself.
Know this — Focused thinking is the thinking you do when intensely
concentrating. Diffuse mode involves neural resting states—like
standing in the shower or riding a bus.
What to do — When you’re stuck, do something else until your brain
is consciously free of any thought of the problem.

BIG IDEA #5 BIG IDEA #6

CHUNKING PROCRASTINATION

Know this — Practice and repeat little chunks of learning over the
course of several days. This will create the neural patterns that
underlie your gradually growing expertise.
What to do — Focus your attention on the information you want to
chunk. Understand the basic idea you are trying to chunk. Gain
context so you see not just how, but also when to use this chunk.
Know this — When you procrastinate, you are leaving yourself only
enough time to do superficial focused-mode learning and increasing
your stress level.
What to do — Turn off your phone and any distractions. Plot out
your most important objective. Target and execute the easiest action
item in that process first.

BIG IDEA #7 BIG IDEA #8

THE ILLUSION OF COMPETENCE TESTING & TEACHING

Know this — Attempting to recall the material you are trying to
learn--retrieval practice--is far more effective than simply rereading
the material.
What to do — Build in longer breaks before revisiting source
material. Rewrite your notes hours later to reveal holes in your
understanding.
Know this — Public practice makes it easier for you to think on your
feet and react well in stressful situations. Explaining concepts helps build
your own understanding and points out blind spots.
What to do — Approach acquaintances to teach. In
fact—nonjudgmental, agreeable interactions are less productive.

BIG IDEA #9 BIG IDEA #10

PROCESS VS. PRODUCT GO TIME

Know this — Acquiring a second skillset or devoting yourself to
continued education is a long, difficult path.
What to do — Focus first on the immediate process of learning by
employing different techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique.
Know this — The body puts out chemicals when it is under stress, but
your interpretation of your body’s reaction to these chemicals makes
all the difference.
What to do — Go through a preparation checklist before getting
started. Shift your mindset to reinterpret stressful situations as excited
anticipation. Focus on your breathing.

IF NOTHING ELSE—REMEMBER THIS…

1. In order to learn something effectively, you must first identify what you want to learn, then
actively practice it, constantly pushing your comfort zone until you reach your limit. Then
return the next day and start over. Do this day in and day out, until you’ve chunked the skill.

2. It all starts with belief. There is no such thing as “I can’t.” There is only your perception of
what you’re good at. Leave the doubters. Create your own life. Learn whatever you want to
learn.

3. Do not assume you know something just because you recognize or are familiar with the
topic/skill. Instead, constantly test yourself. Teach someone else. This is the real marker of
whether you know something or not.