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I've realized lately that I often fool myself into thinking I'm proficient in some subject by picking up on concepts quickly. I think I "get" it because I can
by imjk 10y ago
I've realized lately that I often fool myself into thinking I'm proficient in some subject by picking up on concepts quickly. I think I "get" it because I can understand something on a conceptual level, but when it comes to practice, my deficiencies become apparent. I guess the tricky part is to push myself past those initial concepts to delve deeper into the subjects with practice. I need to slow down and remind myself that I don't really "get" it just because I can understand the concepts in a very broad sense.
- Waterluvian 10y agoBinary trees was that for me. I listened to lectures and understood them very well from a conceptual point of view. But once I started writing them from scratch as an exercise did I learn that understanding the theory alone was woefully insufficient.
- trentmb 10y agoMaybe you just didn't understand the "theory" as well as you thought you did. I fell into the "it makes sense when we go over it in class, but not when I do it at home" trap often.
- stephengillie 10y agoWhen you're feeling proficient and confident in something, move your goalposts, and force yourself to take the next step: * Become proficient not just the concept or task, but good enough to where you can teach it to someone else, or write a clear and concise KB article. * Implement it (perform the task) repeatedly, with consistent outcomes. * Automate the process. * Use this as one part of a much more complex system.
- chrismealy 10y agoI've often had the experience of thinking I understood something well up until the point I tried to explain it to somebody. Teaching is the best way the learn. I think the "smart" person in a study group often gets the most out of it.