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  • The First 20 Hours

  • How to Learn Anything... Fast!
  • Written by: Josh Kaufman
  • Narrated by: Josh Kaufman
  • Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)

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The First 20 Hours cover art

The First 20 Hours

Written by: Josh Kaufman
Narrated by: Josh Kaufman
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Publisher's Summary

"Learn anything... fast!"

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 practicing 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 complex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By completing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you'll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well.

This method isn't theoretical: it's field-tested. Kaufman invites readers to join him as he field tests his approach by learning to program a Web application, play the ukulele, practice yoga, re-learn to touch type, get the hang of windsurfing, and study the world's oldest and most complex board game.

What do you want to learn?

©2013 Worldly Wisdom Ventures LLC (P)2013 Worldly Wisdom Ventures LLC

What the critics say

"As a father of three, practicing neurosurgeon, and global journalist, I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. The First 20 Hours is a practical guide to learning beyond our mid-20s, when our brains are fully developed. Josh's book will inspire you to pick up forgotten hobbies and chase elusive dreams." (Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent)

What listeners say about The First 20 Hours

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Didn't meet my expectations

This book is not for professionals. The actual book is the first hour with a few good reference sparkles. The rest 6 hours are a waste of time with the author telling his personal stories. If you are looking for an easy relaxing read you may like it.

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Presented well, great listen!

I listend to this on my commute. I love how Josh lays out the "formula", but then continues on to explain how he's applied it in learning different things. I also like that it's narrated by him, you can tell how passionate he is about it. Thanks Josh and Audible #Audible1

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First 90 Minutes are amazing

This whole book is based on a fairly simple idea which is expressed and analyzed withing the first 90 minutes of the book, the rest just felt like filler. #Audible1

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The best way to stop procrastinating

This book is packed with knowledge and inspiration. I like the way the author takes us on his journey and invites us to start our own. Thanks so much Josh!

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