How to Get Better Faster

Not all learning is created equal. Two people can attend the same class, meeting, or practice yet walk away with completely different takeaways. How much we learn isn’t just about the experience itself – it’s about how we approach it.

Improvement isn’t just about getting more reps – it’s about making each one count. This video breaks down two simple but powerful habits that accelerate progress and enhance efficiency – without adding extra work.

The Science of Learning More in Less Time

Research shows that deliberate learning beats passive repetition every time. In one study, employees who spent just 15 minutes a day reflecting on their training outperformed their peers by over 30%—with no extra training time. Elite athletes, top performers, and successful professionals all use intention-setting and reflection to supercharge their progress. The best part? These habits take little time, cost nothing, and can be applied to any skill or profession.

By setting clear learning intentions before a practice, meeting, or study session, your brain automatically filters for what matters most. This focus helps you absorb information more effectively instead of mindlessly going through the motions. Then, by taking just a few moments to reflect afterward, you reinforce key lessons, identify improvements, and make learning stick.

Whether you’re training for a sport, developing a new skill, or trying to get better at your job, these habits can dramatically accelerate your progress. Instead of simply showing up and putting in the time, take a moment before you start to ask: What do I want to improve today? Then, after you’re done, reflect on what you learned and how you can apply it next time.

The real secret to getting better faster isn’t doing more—it’s getting more out of what you’re already doing. By using intention and reflection, you can turn any experience into a learning experience and improve at a pace you never thought possible.

Takeaways

1. 1
   Autopilot is the enemy Mindless reps don't lead to change.
2. 2
   Be intentional When we sharpen our focus, we get more from our experiences.
3. 3
   Reflect When we take a few minutes to reflect, we embed the lessons and insights.

Cited in this video

1. 01
   Giada Di Stefano Learning by Thinking: How Reflection Can Spur Progress Along the Learning Curve
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