The Fundamentals

My framework for making learning work around a real adult life. Start with the first article — the rest can be read in any order.

Start here

Four Pillars of Learning a New Skill

After years of starting things — some successfully, some not — I think I've worked out what actually determines whether learning sticks. Read this first.

Read this first →

Four ascending pillars representing the four pillars of learning

Two figures side by side representing a child and an adult learner

Why Adults Learn Differently (And Why That's Actually an Advantage)

Children pick up skills effortlessly, or so the story goes. The reality is more interesting — and more encouraging for adult learners.

A branching path diagram showing one route chosen from several options

How to Choose the Right Sub-Skill (And Why It Changes Everything)

Before you start practising, you need to be specific about what you're actually trying to learn. Here's how to narrow it down.

A row of checkmarked circles representing a daily practice streak

Building the Practice Habit (Without Relying on Willpower)

Habit formation is the real work of the first few weeks. Here's what actually makes practice sessions happen consistently.

How to Find 30 Minutes a Day to Practice Anything

You have more time than you think. The problem isn't availability — it's visibility. Here's how to find it.