This is the catalyst

to accelerate your learning

Juan Gonzalez

Apr 13, 2025

Hello again, my friend.

This time I want to share with you a different perspective on the subject.

So, let’s dive in.

Main quest 🛡

Okay. I'll tell you straight away.

There's one thing that catalyzes learning faster and better than anything else.

What is it? Curiosity.

Short story time:

Back when I started studying computer science at college, I was the stereotypical nerd who only cared about computers and video games. And it was painfully obvious that I had no social skills whatsoever.

In high school I would only talk with 2 classmates and would get nauseous just by thinking of saying “hello” to a girl (true story).

In college I wanted to be different but had no clue “how”.

So I started diving into the stuff from the “pick up artists”. I found a bunch of stuff that really didn’t sit well with me and I thought it was manipulative at best.

But that led me to find about social psychology, interpersonal relationships, the theory of the different personality types, cognitive biases, how the brain works, etc.

I would read/watch about these subjects sometimes during breaks from classes, at night, or in my weekend time.

I never took any “formal” courses on those subjects or got any “certifications” but with all the knowledge and experience I got into that field, I could have easily gotten a 2nd degree in “applied social psychology”.

Not to mention transforming from “shy, anxious, socially inept guy” to “confident, assertive, person with an extensive network and not afraid to meet high-caliber folks”.

What kept me going on that journey despite the setbacks and sacrifices I had to make along the way?

Yep, you got it.

It was curiosity.

(Plus a great drive to become a better version of myself every time.)

Learning driven by curiosity is way more effective than traditional classes (It’s no secret at this point).

One of the reasons why is that the act of remembering is highly emotional.

If you want to remember something and commit it to memory, you are best serve by being in a high emotional state (either positive or negative).

Taking lessons whether online or in person for the most part elicit emotions such as boredom, apathy, or confusion. (Not particularly useful emotions)

This is the reason why you can vividly remember a soccer championship match from your favorite team, the day you got engaged, or the time you got your dream job.

And even “useless” things such as popular songs or jingles, the plot of a novel/tv series, or the latest gossip about a celebrity.

But you can’t remember (even with study) stuff like:

The formula for integrals or the Pythagorean theorem.
Credit card, social security, or some phone numbers.
The date the first president took office, or when the lightbulb was invented, or the continent of America was discovered.

It doesn’t only happens with typical school/college subjects. It also applies to birthdays, events, and stories from acquaintances you have little contact with for example.

But when you change that and instead of learning “as a chore”. Something you have to do.

And instead apply your curiosity and maybe even intrigue about why things are the way they are or work in the way they do; now you’re in a different emotional state.

A much more conducive one for real and effective learning.

So if you want a simple way to supercharge your learning…

You know what to do. Get Curious.

More specifically, here are 3 things you can try:

1. Get into a rabbit hole per day.

Venture into subjects you’re interested in. Better yet, look into things you’ve never given attention before. Even if it’s just for 30 mins at at time.

2. Ask "stupid" questions.

Ask the questions most people are afraid to ask or they wouldn’t even think about. Ones such as “Why do we do things this way?, “What are the most common pitfalls people fall into?“, “Who are the people who are good at this but shouldn’t?“

3. Read about different subjects.

Cross pollinate ideas. Look at trends or patterns in one industry and apply them to another. See how master chefs perform and draw insights for your work. Or look at how pro actors prepare for a play and apply some of that in your business.

Think of curiosity as compound interest for your learning.

Asking different questions can lead to particular insights.

Which can make you more curious and lead to better questions.

And the cycle keeps on going.

WARNING 🚨

Do it too often and you will encounter side effects like:

• Unexpected breakthroughs

• Regular aha! moments

• Game-changing insights

• Becoming the most interesting person in the room

• And the “go to” person others seek for advice

Those are results of the reaction when you put too much of the curiosity "catalyst" into the mix 😉

Now it's over to you.

Make a point to get curious more often, don’t fall into a routine and let things get “stale”. Your curiosity can lead you to unexplored paths and can rekindle the passion you started with and remind you of the “why” you’re doing what you’re doing.

Your future self will thank you for it.