Yes, you could probably do things like "drill each component rapidly", but it's more important to be motivated to learn stuff. If you have something to look for

Yes, you could probably do things like "drill each component rapidly", but it's more important to be motivated to learn stuff. If you have something to look forward to, even if it's not the most efficient or optimal way to learn stuff, it will keep you coming back. If you're a nerd, you probably already know why the boring stuff is important because you've already aware of the domain and you can connect back. Just like the author, who also ONLY in hindsight started to realize that the boring stuff was important, doesn't mean everyone else will magically realize that as well. You need to make an explicit effort for them to do that, for example, through projects they can connect to.