Progressive Overload in Learning

In strength training, we talk about progressive overload -

Progressive overload is when you gradually increase the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your strength training routine.

While strength training, the body get’s used to weight over time, leading to a plateau. Weight that once was challenging, no longer requires the same amount of effort.

The same happens while learning. And that is exactly why we need progressive overload in learning too. Here are 3 examples:

1/ Learning how to play the Ukelele

While learning how to play a new instrument over time, instead of practicing the same song over and over again, focus on:

• Learning more complex songs over time

• Trying to play the same song with a faster beat

2/ Mastering Calculus

Similarly while learning calculus instead of practicing similar problems over time, focus on:

• Practicing more difficult problem statements

• Attempting a set of problem statements in a given time - try reducing that over time

3/ Building a writing habit

Instead of writing more articles over time, focus on:

• Writing articles at a certain frequency - something you can increase over time

• Writing longer form articles

Progressive overload in learning stops you from plateauing and also keeps things interesting for you. It helps you learn continuously over time and gives you a sense of growth even after you have the initial struggle of learning something from scratch.

In the learning context, progressive overload can come from varying:

• Complexity

• Difficulty

• Frequency

• Time

Mastery is a moving target and progressive overload can help you get there!