The Learning Strategy That Feels So Fast, It Should Be Illegal

Good morning Grinder,

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered…
How do they learn so quickly?
How are they able to pick up new skills, adapt to new roles, and constantly stay ahead while you feel like you're grinding your gears just trying to keep up?

Do you catch yourself watching tutorials, reading books, or taking courses — only to forget everything days later?
Do you feel like you’re putting in the hours, but still not making real progress?

You're not alone.
And the truth is — it’s not your fault.
It’s how you were taught to learn.

This week, I came across a YouTube video that instantly flipped a switch in my brain. It’s called “How To Learn Any Skill So Fast It Feels Illegal,” by a doctor named Justin Sung — and it’s not just another motivational hype piece. It’s one of the most practical and mind-opening breakdowns I’ve seen on real, sustainable, high-speed learning.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so — the video has racked up over 2.4 million views and is resonating with learners around the world.

But who is Justin Sung? Why is this video so impactful? And most importantly — how can it help you break through the barriers that have been holding your potential hostage?

Let’s watch this video and talk about it.

Meet Justin Sung: Doctor, Learning Coach, and Brain Hacker

Justin isn’t your average productivity guru. He’s a former medical doctor turned full-time learning coach who now helps students and professionals completely rewire how they approach learning.

He’s taught thousands of people — from high schoolers to surgeons — how to learn smarter, not harder.

His approach is grounded in cognitive science, neuroscience, and real-world experimentation. And in this video, he unpacks the exact mindset and framework that can turn you into a learning machine — without burning out or hitting a wall.

The Problem: Learning Too Much at Once Slows You Down

One of the most powerful ideas in the video is what Justin calls “Theory Overload.”

Most people try to learn by consuming — watching hours of videos, reading chapter after chapter, taking in as much theory as possible. But what they don’t realize is that this overload creates mental clutter. It fills your brain with ideas and techniques you haven’t had time to internalize, much less apply.

So even though you’re learning, you’re not understanding. You’re not retaining. You’re not adapting. It’s like trying to stuff an entire library into your backpack and wondering why you can’t run.

Justin’s approach flips that mindset. He says: slow it down to speed it up.

Instead of cramming more theory, you focus on applying just one idea at a time. You test it. You reflect. You adjust. Then you repeat.

This is called the experiential learning loop — a simple but powerful cycle that mimics how elite performers in any field get better over time.

The Brain Science Behind It

Justin breaks down the cognitive load theory in a way that clicks instantly.

Your brain has a limited working memory — just like a browser with too many tabs open, it can’t function efficiently when it’s overloaded.

By reducing the number of new ideas you’re trying to juggle at once, and instead building deep familiarity with one small piece, you’re actually accelerating how fast your brain encodes that information.

This is why beginners often get stuck — they’re trying to learn everything instead of building a foundation they can layer on over time.

You don’t learn to drive by memorizing the entire highway code. You learn by sitting in the car, turning the wheel, and making small, real-time corrections.

How You Can Apply This Today

Think of any skill you want to develop — whether it’s public speaking, coding, writing, fitness, or even starting a business.

Now, instead of creating a massive checklist of books, podcasts, or tutorials, ask yourself this:

What is the single next thing I need to practice — not just learn, but actually try?

Watch one video. Take one idea. And test it in the real world.

Then step back and ask:
Did it work?
What felt awkward?
What came naturally?
What should I change next time?

This is learning in its highest form — deliberate, thoughtful, and unreasonably effective.

The Slow Student Who Won

Justin shares the story of two students. One rushed ahead, absorbed all the theory, and tried to do everything at once. The other took it slow. He focused on just one or two techniques and practiced them deeply before moving on.

Guess who succeeded in the long run?

It wasn’t the fast starter. It was the deliberate learner.

And that’s the key. Real growth isn’t about speed. It’s about depth. About integration. About learning in a way that actually sticks.

What This Means For You

If you’ve been frustrated with your progress — feeling like you’re always starting over, always spinning your wheels — this message is your turning point.

You’re not broken.
You just need a new system.
And that system is simple: Slow down. Apply deliberately. Reflect. Repeat.

Whether you're trying to build a side hustle, learn a new skill for work, or just grow into the best version of yourself — this is how you build unstoppable momentum.

Final Thought:

Imagine where you’ll be six months from now if you shift your learning from consumption to execution. From theory to practice. From passive to active.

You don't need more information.
You need better application.

And once you experience it — the clarity, the speed, the confidence — it really will feel almost illegal.

Stay sharp,

N. Amadeus