A wide range of studies find that an external focus of attention, i.e., paying attention to the goal of the movement rather than the movement itself, is more successful for learning many different motor skills. Read the full post for the full breakdown of the research.
Talking About Getting Better
Some of my recent podcast appearances discussing Get Better at Anything.
The 7 Reasons You Stop Improving (and How to Keep Getting Better)
The seven obstacles to getting better, and how to move past them.
Ultralearning or Get Better at Anything: Which Book is Better?
My two books are complementary—reading one isn’t a substitute for reading the other.
But if you only have time for one book about learning, I’d recommend Get Better at Anything. It offers a broad range of practical advice for learning and improvement, while drawing on a deeper base of ideas about learning grounded in cognitive science.
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.