There’s a little-known, universal, four-step sequence of events that we all go through whenever we’re processing new information to learn a new skill.

Once you understand this process, you can follow it like a recipe to efficiently gain competence in anything you want.

Singing, socializing, reading, writing, making money, making pizza, et cetera — this recipe for success is consistent across all fields.

That’s because every actionable thing you can imagine is a skill waiting to be developed, including the raw process of developing new skills itself. Before we go over this process, though, there are three principles you should understand first.

Principle #1: Choose the right teacher(s)

Aspiring vocalists shouldn’t turn to Bob Dylan for tips on how to sing beautifully. However, singer-songwriters interested in crafting more powerful lyrics can learn a thing or two from the man.

Anybody who’s ever learned to tie their shoes can likely teach you how too, but a shoe store owner can show you a better way.

If you believe that practice makes perfect, you’re absolutely mistaken.

Perfect practice makes perfect; mediocre practice makes mediocrity; imperfect practice makes imperfection.

Principle #2: Always remain open to change

Sometimes the things we learn while developing a new skill will contradict the things we already hold true. This can shift paradigms.

A good student can view knowledge with an open mind. They’re able to initially take in new information without immediately accepting or rejecting it based on their emotional responses. If you’re overly nieve or rigidly skeptical solely because you don’t like what you’ve heard, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Be teachable yet analytical.

At times, your boundaries will be tested — from self-imposed limiting beliefs to your perceptions about the world in general. But, if you’re serious about growing as an individual, you must be willing to change some things in your life.

This often requires sacrificing something else you’d usually spend your time doing, such as watching shows, playing video games, and/or going out on Saturdays.

Principle #3: Thoughts vs actions

Many people get stuck here. We tend to confuse information collection for actual progress. Nevertheless, at a certain point, you’ve got to take your hypotheses into the field.

Once your vision is clear enough to take those first steps, it’s time to learn how to walk.

Chances are, you’ll stumble and fall at first. That’s normal and expected. Still, taking action is crucial if you’re serious about taking things to the next level. Otherwise, all that preparation information is just theory.

You don’t want to fall into cycles of over-thinking and procrastination, because too much training breeds perfectionism and inaction.

That said, when it actually comes time to take action, it may feel as though about 99% of your time was spent on the study and preparation versus 1% of physical training. This goes back to principle №1—If you’ve prepared properly, and you’re practicing perfectly, the actual action steps are much more effortless.

Your goals should always be challenging yet attainable, and they should make you feel good to think about. That’s your sweet spot. When we doubt our own abilities it usually becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.