How to learn difficult things super-fast – my lessons from learning AI

For more than a year, I’ve wanted to dive into AI and understand how large language models (LLMs) really work. But no matter how hard I tried, I kept hitting a wall. I’d start strong, then fizzle out. Then, one day, I flipped the script—and within days, everything started clicking.

Here’s the story of my journey, and an important lesson that I think could help you too.

The Traditional Learning Path: Logical But Overwhelming

Whenever I thought about learning AI, my go-to was to look for the “perfect” learning roadmap. Usually, it looked something like this:

First, learn Python
Then get comfortable with NumPy and pandas
Study statistics, linear algebra, and calculus
Take a machine learning course
Move on to neural networks
Finally, dive into transformers and large language models

Sounds reasonable, right? But also, like a multi-year PhD track.

Visualize this path as a series of concentric circles—master the outer ring before moving inward. Let’s call this the “Outside-in” learning approach.

Why the Outside-In Approach Didn’t Work for Me

I tried this “Outside-in” method many times. But it never stuck. The issue? Mastering each topic takes a ton of time and motivation. Meanwhile, my ultimate goal—understanding LLMs—felt so far off that I lost confidence.

On top of that, AI was a hobby, not my day job. With HabitStrong keeping me busy, I only had limited hours. So I’d put in some effort, get overwhelmed, and quit.

Honestly, I was ready to give up—until my friend Vinod made me rethink everything.

The Game-Changing Advice: Start from the Core

Vinod told me, “Forget the linear approach. You already know more than you think. Instead of starting from scratch, jump straight to transformers. Fill in the gaps only when you get stuck.”

This is what I now call the “Inside-out” learning approach—start at the heart of the matter, and expand outwards as needed.

How to learn difficult things super-fast – my lessons from learning AI

How I Turned It Around: One Focused Weekend

One Saturday, I dedicated an entire day to learning AI with Vinod. We went through a YouTube playlist he recommended. We paused, discussed, and cleared doubts as they came up.

In just a day and a half, I grasped how transformers and LLMs work—not deep coding details, but enough to understand the concepts clearly.

This breakthrough sparked my motivation. The mystery of LLMs vanished. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I finally felt capable.

Why the Inside-Out Approach Works So Well

Here’s what makes this method different:

You don’t have to master every single prerequisite before moving on.
You probably already have some foundational knowledge—you just need to refresh it.
When you hit knowledge gaps, you learn just enough to move forward, instead of spending months on every detail.
Starting with the core gives you quick wins that boost motivation.
You can use AI tools like ChatGPT to fill in gaps in real-time.

In school, learning felt like climbing a staircase—one step at a time, in a strict order. But in real life, learning is more like a zigzag path: you touch on a topic, dive deeper, circle back to fill gaps, then leap forward again.

When Inside-Out Learning Isn’t the Best Fit

If you have zero background in the subject, this approach might not work. But most of us have some scattered understanding already—enough to get started.

The Takeaway: Learn Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re tackling something complex—whether AI, finance, or filmmaking—don’t wait until you’ve “covered all the basics.” That road is long and discouraging, and you might quit halfway.

Instead, start with something real that excites you. Something you want to understand right now. When you hit a wall, pause and fill in just the knowledge you need to break through.

That’s the secret to learning tough topics quickly—even with a busy life.

Final Thought: Stay Motivated and Reach the Finish Line

This isn’t a shortcut—it’s a smarter way to learn. By seeing progress early and often, your motivation stays alive. And that’s how you keep going until you reach your goal.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and actually understand AI and LLMs, give the inside-out approach a try. You might surprise yourself.

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