Focus Time with an AI Assistant

100 hours should be enough. At least this is the theory. But for what exactly? And how would it play out?

Two weeks of pure focus

Let's imagine that you take time off, go somewhere remote and set out to study a specific subject. How far can two weeks take you?

I don't mean to be fully off the grid. No, in today's world you can't afford that. Offline materials are simply not enough. At least not for fast-moving domains.

OK, so you have your computer, have internet connection and have access to a few AI assistants.

Also, let's carefully plan everything ahead: minimize time spent on cooking, prepare what to wear, factor in regular exercises and proper resting time.

With 90 minute sessions and 15 minute breaks, let's allocate ~8 hours per day.

Just like a classic 9-to-5! 😄

Factoring in cognitive fatigue let's prepare ourselves that we will be sharp in the mornings but tired in the afternoons.

Remember: minimize distractions, no social media, no "news".

Can you realistically do this? Yes. It it sustainable long-term? No.

14 days of sprinting

Just to be clear, by "two weeks" I mean two full weeks, including the two weekends too.

The basic rules are:

• max. 90 minutes long focus sessions, always followed by a break
• do the complex, hard items in the morning, leave passive learning for the afternoons
• minimize decision making outside of the study areas; prepare everything in advance

With the help of an AI assistant you can set up specific types of sessions and the assistant will keep you on track for these:

• deep learning: new, hard concepts
• active recall: testing with questions
• application & practice
• review & organization
• planning what's next (for the next day)

Okay, but for what types of subjects?

Ideal subjects

I understand that this is not good for all domains. It has to be something that focuses on (mostly) non-physical studies. By this I mean, yes, you can try learning to play a new instrument, or working with wood, but those areas require activities spread across a much wider time frame, months, maybe years.

What are good candidates then?

The first thing that comes to mind is a new (human) language, not focusing on speaking, but at least understanding written text. Simply going from zero to a "good enough" state.

My ideal candidates are deep research projects in domains like

• embedded systems
• sovereign infrastructure
• cryptography
• cybersecurity
• finance
• sales
• global supply chain
• navigation (as in air- but also marine navigation)
• astronomy

Areas where it's also possible to build an MVP while learning, something tangible.

The key point

The entire point of such an exercise it not to become an expert overnight. I don't believe that's possible.

The key point is that after two weeks of immersing myself in a new domain in a super focused way, I can at least start asking the right questions! ;)

Is two weeks enough? Can it be shorter? Should it be longer?

Will it work?

Well, there is only one way to find out... :)