Friday Weekly Nuggets 05: The Learnability Hack

Why You Can Master Any Skill

I often analyze skills by looking at how many people can do them. Take driving, for example—millions of people are at least decent at it. The same applies to programming—millions of people write code. This tells me that, barring significant disadvantages, these skills are learnable for almost anyone. And the same applies to most skills.

Of course, some fields have higher entry barriers. Theoretical physics, for example, requires deep mathematical and conceptual understanding, and fewer people succeed in the field—not just because it’s difficult, but because it demands specialized knowledge and has fewer opportunities. But most skills aren’t like that.

Unless you have a significant genetic or cognitive limitation, you can get good at almost anything with time and effort. "Good" is the key word here—it might mean basic competency in one field and near-mastery in another. Learning anything requires dedication. While most skills are highly learnable, mastery still demands significant, consistent practice.

When you start evaluating skills this way, it shifts your perspective. While resources and access matter, the fact that so many others have learned a skill proves its inherent learnability. You can master something simply because others already have. This mindset empowers you to pursue new interests, break past perceived limitations, and unlock your potential.

So—what will you learn next?