Essentials: How to Learn Skills Faster

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how to improve motor skill learning and proficiency—whether for athletic performance, learning an instrument or refining any physical skill.

I explain practical tools to build skills, including how to structure learning sessions to focus on repetitions, use internal feedback systems and learn from errors—key elements for accelerating progress. I also discuss strategies such as visualization, metronoming, idle time and the impact of supplements like alpha-GPC and caffeine on performance. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to accelerate and optimize their motor skill development.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Learning Motor Skills

00:01:10 Building New Skills, Tools: Open vs Closed Loop; Focus

00:03:58 Sponsor: LMNT

00:05:15 Skills & Realistic Expectations, Super Mario Effect

00:09:34 Tube Test & Brain, Tool: Increase Repetitions

00:12:19 Importance of Errors, Framing Effect, Neuroplasticity

00:14:39 Sponsor: AG1

00:15:43 Learning Session Protocol, Tool: Idle Time Post-Learning

00:19:44 Movement Speed, Ultra-Slow Movements

00:21:49 Skill Proficiency & Errors, Tool: Metronoming

00:24:16 Sponsor: Mateina

00:25:42 Mental Rehearsal & Limits, Tool: Visualization

00:28:24 Skill Learning & Supplements, Alpha-GPC, Caffeine

00:32:14 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures