If you're taking an online course,

you need to understand these four archetypes of learners:

1. The Obsessive
2. The Dabbler
3. The Hacker
4. The Master

Which one will you choose to be? (A thread ↓)

The Obsessive:

1. Starts with rapid progress.
2. Faces the plateau.
3. Doubles effort.
4. Sharp highs.
5. Sharp lows.
6. Burnout.
7. Quits.

This is a sad, exhausting life to live. Avoid at all costs.

The Dabbler:

1. Starts with enthusiasm.
2. Makes rapid progress.
3. Gives up after failing.
4. Off to the next thing.
5. Returns back to 1.

This is a vicious cycle that never leads anywhere. Lots of time lost. Avoid.

The Hacker:

1. Quickly gets a hang of one skill.
2. Happily stays on the plateau forever.
3. No longer pursues significant growth.

This is a stagnant life. A life without fulfillment. A life of cheating.

The Master:

1. Establishes a process to developing a skill.
2. Sticks with this process long-term.
3. Sees brief bursts of progress.
4. Experiences regular dips.
5. Loves the plateau.

This is a fulfilling, rewarding life. A rich life.

Insights from the great book "Mastery" by George Leonard.