If you look at any skill in the world, you will be able to find some commonalities within the skill set and also between skill sets. It may be a movement, it may be a concept, or it can be anything.

The thing is that there are links, and those links can be used as a bridge to enhance learning. It can work by speeding up the process or just by making it more dynamic and interesting.

For example, for the last few months I’ve been trying to teach myself Portuguese. I ran through Rosetta Stone, and it seemed like I hit a wall. My motivation stalled a little after that point.

Then I chanced upon a video that highlighted specific Portuguese terms for BJJ positions, and it re-lit the fire. I’ve thought about it, and I firmly believe that it was because I was then able to directly associate the acquisition of a new skill with knowledge that I already had.

Ultimately, it boils down to focusing on things that you truly enjoy and then using that knowledge to learn quicker in other areas through association.