💛 Master Any Topic with This Simple 6-Step Process

👋 Hello friend,

What’s in today's newsletter?

• 😮 A simple 6-step process to master any new topic
• 📖 Top 3 productivity books of the week
• 📅 Top 2 articles on time management and calendar management
• 🧰 Top 3 Windows tools to save you hours each week

😮A simple 6-step process to master any new topic

About a year ago, I applied for a writer's position at Shortform—I’m a big fan of their app.

Curious what happened? I’ll share the outcome at the end of this newsletter.

Previously, when I wanted to dive into a new topic, I would just ask ChatGPT or use Perplexity.ai. But now, for a deeper understanding, I rely on Shortform. Their summaries make it easy to filter by topic.

For example, if I’m interested in "focus," I just search for it and instantly get the best book summaries on the subject.

⬇️ Here's my simple 6-step process to master any new topic

#1. Check Shortform’s New Releases: Since they release summaries weekly, I just scroll through the "New Releases" section on the homepage. This week, I found a book called The Power of Unwavering Focus, by Dandapani.

#2. Read Goodreads Reviews: Before deciding to get the full book, I check out the reviews on Goodreads. (Feel free to add me as a friend there!)

#3. Read the 1-Page Summary: If I’m still hooked, I read the 1-page summary on Shortform. It only takes about 10 minutes.

#4. Read the Full Summary: If it keeps my interest, I dive into the full summary. I highlight any key ideas, which automatically sync with my Readwise account.

#5. Do the Practical Exercises: I always like to test my knowledge using Shortform's exercises and questions.

#6. Buy the Book if I’m Impressed: If a book really stands out—like The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani—I buy the full version on Kindle.

📖 Top 3 productivity books of the week

🕐 #1. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
What I learned: Delegate low-value tasks to free up time for important, high-energy activities. This way, you can build systems and teams that grow your business and give you more freedom.

🔃 #2. Automate Your Busywork by Aytekin Tank
What I learned: Automate repetitive tasks using modern tools. This helps you focus on high-impact work that improves your productivity and moves your goals forward.

🔬 #3. The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani
What I learned: Focus is a skill you can develop. The book offers exercises and techniques that improve concentration, which boosts productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.

What Is Shortform?

Think of Shortform as book summaries, but better. They cover all the key points from a book, plus they add helpful analysis and commentary.

It’s like having a really smart friend explain the book to you.

I use Shortform on both my laptop and phone. Before, I’d reach for Instagram or Reddit when I had downtime.

Now, I open Shortform instead—it’s my go-to app when I want to quickly learn something new.

Remember How I Applied to Shortform? Here’s What Happened

Unfortunately, they didn’t need new writers at the time.

But now, I’m an affiliate for them! I've always been a fan and a paying customer, so this was a natural fit for me.

Want to try Shortform? You can get a FREE trial and an extra 20% discount on the annual subscription through my special link: shortform.com/neurohackingly.

📅 Top 2 articles on time management and calendar management

#1. Deep Habits: The Importance of Planning Every Minute of Your Work Day, by Cal Newport
A quick read on how spending just 10-20 minutes the night before to plan your day can help align your tasks with your long-term goals.

#2. Time Management Tips from Busy People, by Noah Kagan
A detailed guide on how to effectively use your calendar. Exactly what I’ve been looking for.

🧰 Top 3 Windows tools to save you hours each week

#1. Workona
A tab manager that lets you save groups of tabs you frequently use. For example, I have a "Morning Ritual" setup with 5 tabs. I just click one button, and they all open at once. Unfortunately, the free version limits you to five spaces. Know a good free alternative? Let me know! 🙏

#2. QuickLook for Windows
This tool lets you preview files quickly by pressing the spacebar. Super useful when you need to check files without opening them.

#3. Everything for Windows
A powerful search tool for Windows that finds files instantly. Unlike the regular Windows search, Everything shows every file and folder on your computer immediately.

My biggest leaps of progress come from removal.

• Removing limiting beliefs
• Removing complex systems
• Removing toxic relationships
• Removing self-sabotaging behaviors
• Removing comparing myself to others

Now whenever I feel stuck, I jump to subtraction, not addition.

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) November 8, 2024

Have an amazing week,
Lukas 😊

P.S. Let’s connect on LinkedIn! 🔗