Sam Parr's Anti-MBA Learning Machine

Alright, let's dive into this no-BS learning plan like we're swimming through a sea of knowledge!

1. Breaking it Down in a Nutshell

Imagine you're explaining this to a 5-year-old: Learning how to swim like an Olympian is like becoming a superhero in the water. It's about mastering the skills (like strokes and breathing) and training your body to be super strong and fast. Just like how Spiderman needs to practice his web-slinging, you need to practice swimming every day to become a swimming superhero!

2. Core Mental Models

1. Deliberate Practice: Focus on specific parts of your swimming technique and practice them over and over. It's like learning a new dance move; you need to break it down and perfect each step before putting it all together.
2. Pareto Principle: 20% of your effort results in 80% of your progress. Identify the most important techniques (like the freestyle stroke) and focus on mastering those first.
3. Feedback Loop: Just like how a video game tells you what you did wrong, you need feedback from coaches or self-assessment to improve. It helps you fix mistakes and get better faster.

3. Must-Know Concepts

1. Proper Stroke Technique: Understanding how to use your arms and legs correctly is crucial. It's like using the right tools for the job.
2. Breathing Techniques: Breathing is as important as swimming. Learning when and how to breathe can make a huge difference in performance.
3. Physical Conditioning: Swimming is a physically demanding sport. You need to build stamina and strength to swim efficiently.

4. High-Impact Resources

1. Book: "The Swim Coaching Bible" by Dick Hannula

   • Why it's awesome: This book covers everything from basic techniques to advanced training methods.
   • What it covers: Comprehensive guide to swimming techniques, training plans, and mental preparation.

2. Video: "How to Swim Faster" by The Swim Expert

   • Why it's awesome: Practical tips on improving speed and efficiency.
   • What it covers: Techniques for faster swimming, drills, and race tips.

3. Article: "Swimming Workouts for Beginners and Intermediate Swimmers" by SwimSmooth

   • Why it's awesome: Provides structured workouts tailored for different skill levels.
   • What it covers: Detailed workout plans for beginners and intermediate swimmers.

5. Get-your-hands-dirty Tasks

1. Practice Drills: Spend 20 minutes each day practicing specific drills to improve technique.
2. Set Goals and Track Progress: Use a swim log to set goals and track how you're doing. This helps you stay motivated.
3. Join a Swim Group: Swimming with others can be fun and motivating. You learn new tips and stay consistent.

6. The Ultimate Test

Challenge: Swim 1000 yards without stopping. This will test your stamina, technique, and overall swimming ability. If you can do this, you'll know you've made significant progress!

7. Flashcards for Rapid Recall

1. Question: What is the most important part of swimming technique?

   • Answer: Proper alignment and body position.

2. Question: How often should I practice swimming to see improvement?

   • Answer: At least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

3. Question: What is the best way to improve my swimming speed?

   • Answer: Focus on building strength and perfecting your freestyle stroke.

4. Question: Why is breathing technique crucial in swimming?

   • Answer: It helps maintain rhythm and efficiency in the water.

5. Question: What is the Pareto Principle in swimming?

   • Answer: Focus on improving the 20% of your swimming that will result in 80% of your progress.

8. Common Pitfalls

1. Overtraining: Don't try to do too much too soon. It can lead to injuries and burnout.
2. Ignoring Proper Technique: Focusing only on speed can lead to bad habits that are hard to fix later.
3. Not Getting Feedback: Without feedback, you might be practicing wrong techniques repeatedly, which won't help you improve.

There you Follow this plan, and you'll be swimming like an Olympian in no time.