In the world of preparedness, the ability to adapt and grow is just as important as stockpiling supplies. Knowledge is one of the few preps that can never be taken from you. The more you know, the better you can handle any situation—from making your own gear to understanding alternative medicine or even thriving in a grid-down world. Learning isn’t just about survival; it’s about becoming a more capable, resilient person in every aspect of life.

But in a world of infinite information, how do you separate the useful from the noise? That’s where smart learning techniques come in. Inspired by Tim Ferriss and other efficiency experts, I’ve developed a system that helps me absorb information quickly, filter out nonsense, and actually retain what I learn.

When I want to learn a new skill or topic, my first stop is usually YouTube. It’s the fastest way to get a visual introduction to something, and you can often find experts explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Whether it’s bushcraft, homesteading, or even small-scale manufacturing, there’s a tutorial for everything.

Pro Tip: Watch videos at 1.5x or 2x speed to absorb more in less time. Use YouTube’s transcript feature to skim content before committing to a full watch.

Once I have a basic understanding, I head to Reddit. While not always the most reliable source, Reddit is great for seeing real-world experiences and edge cases. I check subreddits related to the topic to see what problems people run into, what actually works, and what’s overhyped.

Example: If I’m learning about off-grid solar, I’ll check r/solar or r/homesteading to see what systems people actually use and what unexpected challenges they’ve faced.

Videos and forum posts are great, but they often lack depth. That’s where books come in. Once I’ve identified an area I want to master, I grab a book by an expert in the field. Books give structured, time-tested knowledge that you don’t always get from online sources.

Some recent books I’ve added to my prepper library include:

Pro Tip: Use audiobooks to learn while driving, exercising, or doing chores.

Note-taking is crucial, but not all notes are useful. I use a method inspired by Tim Ferriss:

Knowledge without action is useless. I always make it a point to apply what I learn as soon as possible. If I watch a video on making fire with a ferro rod, I go outside and try it. If I read about a food preservation technique, I experiment with it in my kitchen. Hands-on practice is the best way to turn learning into real skills.

Lifelong learning is a core part of being prepared. The world changes fast, and the skills that matter today might not be enough tomorrow. By using a system that combines YouTube, Reddit, books, and smart note-taking, you can absorb new skills quickly and efficiently. The more you learn, the more prepared you are for whatever comes next.

What’s a skill you’re currently learning? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear what’s on your radar!

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