1. Low rewards will decrease dopamine, instead of asking "how is this interesting or why should I care?", remind yourself to seek the novelty to increase dopamine and focus. Ask yourself, "how is this different to what I currently know?", and "how is this new?". 2. Predict what is going to come next and come up with conclusions. Continuously do this because if you're consecutively right or wrong about your assumptions, the surprise will increase your focus. (Babies focus more with magnetic building blocks, only after they understand how non-magnetic blocks work. This is how ML and AI works with predictions.) 3. Generate intrigue by reminding yourself about the questions that you have about the topic that have not been answered yet.
It always feels to me as though Elizabeth is just highlighting the ways that neurodiverse brains naturally excel, but often have trauma from being forced to learn things in a linear boring way and being criticised for appearing "scatter-brained". It's extremely validating to see her present them as techniques that can develop a neurotypical brain further with practise too. It feels like a hegemonic shift much due.
The recent uploads are way more easier to understand than the first ones. I feel this is because she is speaking slower than before and that means she is getting more confident in her videos. Great content as always please keep progressing!
I am a fast speaker so I never had trouble understanding her. But I definitely feel like learning to speak in a slower paced and more articulate way is a must
My biggest problem with learning is how my brain gets overwhelmed with all the stimulation, processing, information. I technically know different ways to learn more information in a shorter amount of time, but it also tends to overstimulate me more, and make me more exhausted, and for longer. At this point I am actually interested in learning SLOWER so that I can still learn things while not overstimulating myself and burning out.
Are you getting enough rest and sleep? A lot of the processing of new information occurs during either flow states or periods of deeper sleep. If you're rested and take breaks and are eating nutritious foods and keep your mood elevated, burn out occurs less frequently if you enjoy what you're learning.
@@restfulstillness2274 Yes, but caring for myself is actually a major cause of burnout for me, I sometimes have to decide whether to eat nutritious food and exhaust myself a lot or whether to get something quick where I can get some more rest, I also can't exactly get rid of minority stress, unaccommodating environments and sources of stress through medical needs just by myself and in no time, so a lot of what emotionally exhausts me is something not fully in my control. My main contributor to burnout is not learning, I just enjoy learning and struggle to find ways to still engage in topics I like when I'm already having a hard time.
The pomodoro technique is really good for this! I like it because it throttles my productivity but also helps me stay more consistent bc I can really get trapped at either 0% or 112% and have a hard time staying in between. I have a hexagon rotating clock I ordered for cheap and it works well bc it's separate from my devices and disengages me from them- encouraging me to get up and stretch for 5- 15 minutes bc I can put it across the room. It's not necessary tho. There are pomodoro RU-vid channels I like too.
I think it's a little intimidating when she looks directly at the camera. Fitting the atmosphere (in this case, her looking down at her desk) would definitely be more appealing
I have ADHD, and my biggest problem is Focus. I always feel overwhelmed with my chaotic to-do list. Thank you for your sharing. I hope you will make video to help ADHDers.
Idk, I watched a lot of her other videos and in my opinion they are surprisingly adhd friendly. She describes a lot how standard productivity didn't work for her, so she has quite an adhd friendly approach, also she shared that she actually has a very bad memory (also very common for adhders) and workarounds for that. She never explicitly shared that it's adhd friendly, but imo her content is super refreshing comparing to other productivity RU-vidrs sharing same books over and over and saying it's a matter of discipline, etc.
I am getting to be an old dude (55) but I'm still going to work on a master's degree in clinical mental therapy. I have about 1 year to go, but I've noticed my attention/focus slipping. So much of what you are saying resonates with how I'm studying. I have a week long intensive coming up and I think I'll have new tools to work with. Thank you for doing so much to help others grasp what they're learning, and in a way that grabs the viewer's attention. God bless you in your 80k hours.
I was just telling my sister yesterday about how I feel like your brain works the same way as mine. I have a few productivity youtubers that I watch, but I feel like you're the one that thinks more like me so your take on things is always so helpful! Would you consider doing a video about waking up early and being consistent with that? As a night owl I always struggle so much with that!
"productivity youtube" is just a shi! talk trend. these are a bunch of people talking absolute B..S. and don't apply any of the things they say they do. it's just for your entertainment
Just be a night owl ;) Own who you are and make it work for you. Figure out when your energy and focus is peaked and use it. Trying to go against your natural inclination here will just make everything a bit harder
If you are naturally a night owl (late chronotype), it's a good idea to embrace it. It is biologically determined, and can not be altered much. Trying to be a morning person, will just give you social jetlag and reduced energy and concentration. I highly recommend reading some of the work done by Camilla Kring. Se researches the biology behind 👍
Okay, I watched the whole video, and I agree that novelty, surprise, and intrigue can increase focus by activating curiosity, but I do want to state that after the discussion on the virtues of attention, it's odd that there was no mention of using different meditation, breathing, mindfulness, visualization, or relaxation techniques to train the mind to remain at ease and focused at all times. I liked that the video covered how to implement the approaches listed as a continuous practice, but a lot of the advice is highly analytical and suitable mainly for those who already engage in deep introspection, either consciously or unconsciously. Simpler methods are available for people at all stages. These would synergistically boost the effects of the approaches presented.
“Making the right choices in life as much as you can” is a principle for success. Many people don’t take the time to consider the potential consequences of a chosen path. The gift we have is the ability to see and learn from others experiences without having to suffer the folly of their bad choice. Great job Elizabeth, I too have learned something. Thanks for the tips you’ve shared on how to focus. A mind prepared to learn will always be aroused by the aroma of knowledge. How to make people awake from a state of slumber is the key to a door of unlimited subscribes. The mind is a powerful tool. 👍🏻
I love you so much!! I finally started my creator law firm protecting creators. I will always be so grateful to you for helping me start my channel. I think I’m going to be featured in the Colin and Samir newsletter speaking about the SAG strike. It’s being finalized now so I hope you are subscribed and will see it. Know that you were the best part of Ali Abdaal’s course. I was so lucky to have you when you still had time. You’re brilliant and know you’re an inspiration to all women creators. ❤❤❤❤
Honestly this is the 1st time I stumble across this channel coz i was genuinely looking for neurons and how to elevate the brain to the next level and oh boy …. Am stunned with the amount of info i learned. Huge 👏🏻 for the efforts, worth the support 👍🏻 keep up the amazing content (let alone the superb and simple edit skills ✨ i loved them 😂) Thank you so much 💙 video of the day to be honest 🙏🏻
English is not my native language, so it's a little bit difficult for me to focus on a new information like this (neuroscience is completely new to me😄) but while I was watching the video, I was trying to use the techniques Elizabeth talked about. And it's INSANE! Feels like a whole new world has just opened to me. I absolutely adore you, Elizabeth, and thank you for everything that you do!)🥰
Great video. Not only are there hilarious edits, but there is plenty of useful information to be gained as well. Besides picking the topic that aligns with your interests, I think Intrigue is the most potent way to focus on a subject. Asking questions like "what questions do I have in response to hearing this information?" or "What implications does this information have for my life or the lives of others?" are helpful.
Always drawing conclusions and predicting what will happen next in a lesson is what I always did naturally. It explains why it was often times enough for me to sit in the lecture and pay attention to pass an exam, no need to spend much time 'sitting down and learn'. Now I just need to figure out how to do it with my thesis writing. The pace it much slower than in a lecture, so it's hard to keep focus, and everything is so open that I am not immediately proven right or wrong, rather I get sucked down a rabbit hole that does not help with my progress.
I am so happy to have watched your video within the first hour of it being uploaded. I love your thumbnail for this video, I also love the animations that you have added into your video. Generally I absolutely love your videos. I also enjoy your videos on books that you have read. I have learnt a lot from you. Thank you so much and keep it going.
Thank you for the dedication 🫶🏻 My mindset completely changed for the better after watching you. One thing I do to make my studyings more appealing is learning them in English, since I find consuming foreign language content WAY MORE effective, and I also lovee learning languages. p/s: Yes I love my native language but I just got bored more easily 😂
Fast. I am a baptist denominational leader and preacher. This requires me to address hundreds, if not thousands of people, over 200 times a year. I personally commit many Bible verses to memory plus sermons. I have learned to fast as I study and memorize, at least 24 hours before I stand in a pulpit (I do drink black coffee but hey, nobody’s perfect). This will clear your mind and focus but will set your emotions on edge. When in college and even Harvard Law & John Hopkins I would always fast before cramming for exams.
Processing information is my Achilles heel. For instance, how I prepared and processed formulas for Mathematics took years of experience. Today I am taking things easy and allowing myself time to process data. ❤Thank you for your talk, very helpful points.
I’m going to check out 80,000 hours! Thank you Elizabeth for this video and the rest. The biggest way that you are helping me is by thinking differently about things I’ve always had a fixed way of thinking about. 🙏🏼
Well I have learned one thing watching this video is, that as long as you’re teaching me something, it’s gonna be interesting. I don’t make the rules! 👏🏽😌❤️
I got my free copy of 80,000 hours from an earlier video of yours, but never actually got around to reading it. Gonna pick it up this time and see for myself. Thank you for the video, Elizabeth.
It makes me so happy to see when you just uploaded a new video. I learn a lot from you, thank you so much for everything you do. You're absolutely awesome in so many ways, and you play a very inspiring role in my life!! Sending you a lot of love. Just fun fact story, the first time I heard you, I thought the playback speed was accelerated, but nope lol. Now I got used to, and I love the speed. I almost get frustrated over other channels when they speak slow, or comparatively slower than you, which represents most of them, if not all ahah
This was very informative, it's almost like when you feel something, but don't know how to put it into words. I think this video gave me the language needed to discuss this topic in a more nuanced way.
Everytime Elizabeth so thoughtfully explains what she knows and helps people in her authentic earnest reassuring and courageous way I develop more of a crush on her. Being an explainer particularly to us that have a hard time learning the conventional way it fills me with joy that she helps us and I adore her for it :')
great timing!! i just graduated highschool and have to wait until oct to enter uni, so right now i sm just trying to entertain myself and self-study on my own. lack of focus has been quite the obstacle, so thank you loads for this video
Good evening Elizabeth. I found your video really interesting and helpful regarding the topic you discuss about how to focus. As a teacher, I translated everything you said to the way I could teach my students for them to be more interested in my lessons and topics seen in class. I really appreciate that you take the time to.make these videos to help us out in one way or another. Now I have to say that you.must be the smartest woman I've ever seen in my life. It must be fascinating just to have conversations with you about everything you know about and how you work around it. My best regards to you and thank you again.
Hello. I have a learning disability. I had it all my life. Since then I have taken courses from Harvard University, 3 of them. One from Princeton University. I was afraid to keep trying to learn new things, because being afraid of failure is easy. I'm also a graduate from Ashworth College. I'm a member of Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society. I have made it a journey to keep going with my studies. I also graduated from James Madison High School. Got my Diploma with Honors. I completed this journey within 20 years. I have other certificates from other courses as well. I never stopped wanting to learn things eventhough I have a learning disability.😊
AI summry for quick overview : How to Learn Anything Fast: Teach Your Brain to Focus This video explains how to improve our focus and learning by using three strategies based on neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The video title is "How to Learn Anything Fast: Teach Your Brain to Focus". Strategy 1: Seek novelty When we are bored or uninterested in something, we produce less dopamine and have less focus. We can overcome this by seeking novelty, which is rewarding for our brain and increases our focus. We can ask ourselves how something is different or new from what we already know, instead of how it is interesting or why we should care. Strategy 2: Make predictions When we are surprised or proven wrong by something, we pay more attention to it and learn better. We can create this effect by making predictions about what we are learning and adjusting them based on new information. We can try to guess what will happen next, how things work, how things connect, and how things will end, as we are learning something. Strategy 3: Generate intrigue When we are intrigued or confused by something, we give it our full attention and want to figure it out. We can create this effect by thinking about questions, contradictions, gaps, or conclusions that are not addressed or answered by what we are learning. We can write down these things and ask them later, or use them to guide our further research. Conclusion These strategies can help us improve our focus and learning by making us more engaged, curious, and attentive to what we are learning. They can also make learning more enjoyable and rewarding for us. However, nothing beats genuine interest and passion in what we do, so we should also try to find the right career and life choices for us.
Ma'am your understanding and research skills are very sharp and colourful could you please advice us on what is the most effective ways and styles of recalling and revision for competitive exams. 🙏🏾
I click so much with Elizabeth. I used to think I was the only one struggling.. this helped. Thank you!! And I like the editing and thumbnails too. So unique!
I am watching the video of your of how to make yourself focus, but after 5 minutes in the video I realised that I was so mesmerized by your eyes and beauty that I forget to actually focus on what you said but don't worry I re-watched it and yeah it was great lesson and great video for an young new aspirant of Indian goverment exam that I will be giving after 3 months.
Hey, long time listener here - just wanted to say that you look really healthy and confident and glowy lately! Sending you all the love in your golden era 💓
I'm also obsessed with AI, so I appreciated how the advice was explaining how to learn like an AI model. Fantastic video that I'm absolutely going to implement as a college student! The sponsor was super relevant too.
I have paused few months since following you, and now i have learnt to adjust to your pace and find you more listenable and digestible.. and Thanks and Congratulations for being wonderful in helping us learn how to learn.. demystifying the genius and secrets of Highly Intelligent people. Cheers and Respect🙏 Add: In my opinion, you are underrated and actually made me like (love) to learn relearning and the humility in respecting the human faculty of thinking (brain). Wow.👍
My takeaway from this is that new experiences are vital for not only focus, but a craving (dopamine) for new information as new experiences will lead to verifying predictions made in the mind whether they're right or wrong (if wrong you create stronger questions until you find your answer).
Just wanted to say I loved your latest video. It was both informative and entertaining, and I couldn't stop watching (focus) from beginning to end. Thanks for keeping your audience engaged and for all the great content. Looking forward to more awesome videos from you soon!
1: Seek Novelty (Boring: Hard, PresentationLack, No-Interest) - Too (Small,Few,FarApart,FarAway,NotObvious) => LessAnticipationOfReward => LessDopamine => LessFocus Montezuma's Revenge : Rewards were Scarse and Non-Obvious (AI Couldn't) What to do: so Seek new things, rather than points or value Human: have desire for new Untried things, use it for focus 2: Predict Track (Mental-State : Info-Structure Flow Maintenance) - Think Macro, Go Ahead of Time, and Readjust as Corrected - Pleasure if Correct, Surprise Dopamine if Wrong - Just Like machine learning (adjust for error, maintain correct) 3: Discernment (A-Sister to attention) - What value does this give for my main Goal, and seek that - pridiction,needed-to-knows, gap-coverable seek trying to answer - Children(lever-sound-light toy) till they figured it, don't let go
thank you so much for sharing valuable information to your audience. this is the reason why I don't think AI will ever replace our jobs because they lack human empathy and organic connection that people need.
Ok, this sounds like a very valuable lesson. But it's my mistake that I try to listen to it while drive. Ironic - focus - I know.. But I'm very glad that RU-vid gave me the suggestion for the channel.
Amazing vidoe as always. I am software engineer who been working in AI for the past 1.5 years, currently working an AI dating app. It is scary even to me what it learns, asked for dating advice, it ended giving me that and therapy 😂
Great video, as always ! I have a question I don't know if it could make an interesting topic for you : how do you manage everything you read and more specifically the quotes ? How do you find back the right quote for the right video months after you read and store it? Thanks !
thank the scientists who actually did the work. Some of these doctors on youtube pass off years of research by others as their own by making videos likes these to seem knowledgeable about an area they actually know little about. At least link (?credible) papers and create a references section in the description so that people with knowledge can conduct a critical appraisal of your crap talk in this video.
@@elizabethfilipsFor me I would say, first of all I love your content, but the new AI preview images and thumbnails are ruining it for me, I had admired your stance against hiring people who use AI when you were looking for an assistant but then I was surprised that you choose to adopt it yourself afterwards. But then again this is my opinion as one person.
Thank you so much Elizabeth❤ you inspired me. Do you know that I do predictions just as you’ve mentioned in your video, and I also learned a lot of things! Keep it up❤
I'm not sure if you have some sort of variable playback speed throughout the video or I'm just feeling that you're talking very fast trying to pack as much info as you can in a 12 min video. I'm an early subscriber; I enjoy listening to old Elizabeth more; when videos were informative but relaxing at the same time; I felt your stress radiating through my screen towards me, contributing to increasing my anxiety which exceeds the healthy dose of alertness I need to process data. Also, a summary at the end of the video would be appreciated.
I really want to like this channel, but her voice gives me too much anxiety and makes my mind race as I'm trying to keep up with the speed of her words.. she speaks more slowly in this video, but she seems really stressed even here.. Idk.
Great video, you always put in great effort. Can you state a few examples to implement novelty behavior in our daily life? This would be a great start for this habit. Thank you.