If you want to make money, the key is learning efficiency. Today I want to introduce the Simon Learning Model, created by Nobel laureate Herbert Simon.
The core idea is simple: by focusing intensely on one specific problem or domain within a short period of time, you achieve faster and deeper learning. Think of it like product development: pick a concrete scenario, attack it directly, and refine it to perfection.
Why the Simon Method Works
Just like in entrepreneurship, your resources and time are limited. You can’t do everything at once. If you try to learn everything, you end up learning nothing well.
The Simon Method teaches you to concentrate your energy for maximum effect—like fighting a decisive battle. It follows four clear steps:
- Define a Specific Goal
Be precise. Don’t just say, “I want to learn AI.” Instead, say, “I want to use AI to build an automated video-generation agent.” The more concrete the goal, the easier it is to get started. - Quick Start
Don’t aim for perfection in the beginning. Gather the most basic resources and familiarize yourself with essential tools. For example, if you want to learn video editing, spend an hour exploring the software interface and make a simple 10-second clip to practice. - Iterative Practice
Learn by doing, testing, and refining. Just like developing a product—you launch version 1.0, gather feedback, then improve with versions 2.0 and 3.0 until it truly works. - Output & Validation
The most critical step: explain or teach what you’ve learned. When you can clearly articulate it in your own words, and others can understand and apply it, that’s when you’ve truly mastered it.
That’s why I record AI explainer videos daily—teaching reinforces my own learning.
Example: Learning Prompt Engineering
Suppose you want to learn prompt engineering for AI:
- Goal: “I want to master the basics of writing effective prompts to get AI to write articles or analyze data.”
- Quick Start: Read a beginner’s guide for an hour, copy some sample prompts, and try them.
- Iterate: Use prompts in real scenarios. If the AI’s response isn’t good enough, refine and retry.
- Output: Write a short article sharing your lessons, or record a quick video explaining your approach.
This process is almost identical to creating an MVP (minimum viable product)—start small, then improve based on feedback.
Why It’s Perfect for the AI Era
We live in an age of information overload. The old way—dabbling in everything—is no longer effective. Time is too precious. Precision focus is the only way forward.
For example, in cybersecurity, I never waited to read an entire textbook before solving a problem. I went straight to the root cause of the attack, studied its method, tested fixes, and iterated. That’s pure Simon learning in action.
And now, with AI tools like Nano AI Super Search, the Simon Method becomes even more powerful. Instead of slowly reading manuals, you can ask:
- “Give me five core techniques of prompt engineering with examples.”
- “Show me how to write a viral opening for an article.”
- “Write a five-second hook for a TikTok video.”
Instantly, you get targeted answers and can continue refining.
Your Turn
What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn but felt was too difficult or time-consuming—coding, writing, public speaking, design, or video production?
Don’t wait. Use the Simon Learning Method:
- Pick a small, concrete goal.
- Focus intensely for three days,
- And you’ll be surprised how quickly you make real progress.
The best way to learn is to start now.
So let me ask you:
👉If you could only choose one skill to master in the next three months—enough to be better than 80% of people—what would it be? And how would you begin?