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. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/lmnt Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman 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