By Colby Kultgen

A 4-Step System to Learn Anything, Why You Should Stop Saying "Sorry", and A Book Everyone Should Read

Read online / Read time: 4 minutes

A powerful mindset shift to bring into the week

Stumbled across this post from The Artidote which I thought you guys would appreciate:

As a Canadian, this hit extra close to home.

I'm basically hardwired to apologize anytime I enter a room, pass someone on the sidewalk, or exist in public.

Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit.

But I do catch myself defaulting to “sorry” even when I’ve done nothing wrong.

Which is why I love this idea of shifting from apology to appreciation.

From seeing yourself as a burden, to recognizing the people around you as a blessing.

So this week, try it out:
Swap one “sorry” for a “thank you.”

Let me know how it goes.

A 4-stage system to learn anything - Article from Tiago Forte​

This is one of the best articles about learning I’ve ever read.

It’s by Tiago Forte, the author of Building a Second Brain.

In it, he lays out a simple 4-stage system for learning anything new, without wasting time, getting overwhelmed, or staying stuck in “research mode.”

Before diving in, he adds an important disclaimer:

1. Immerse Yourself

Don't overthink it. Just flood your brain with inputs. Exposure leads to pattern recognition, even if you don’t realize it yet.

What this looks like:

• Follow 3-5 smart creators in the space
• Sub out your regular content diet for topic-specific stuff
• Ask friends for the best, not the most popular, recommendations
• This phase is about scanning the map before choosing a route

2. Build Something Quickly

Forte says, don't get stuck in "tutorial hell". Choose a simple project as early as you can, and commit to completing it.

What this looks like:

• Pick a simple project with clear constraints
• Set a short deadline (1 day to 1 week max)
• Accept that it’ll be clunky
• Focus on finishing, not perfecting

3. Find Your Mentors

Once you’ve tasted it for yourself, you’ll know whose voice actually resonates. That’s when structured learning starts to work.

What this looks like:

• Choose 1–3 teachers based on real results (not followers)
• Follow their exact process—don’t cherry-pick across 10 creators
• Use their lens to filter everything else
• Invest in their course, coaching, or program if it feels right

4. Find (or Create) Your People

The fastest way to solidify your knowledge? Share it. Discuss it. Build something with others. Bonus points if you take the lead.

What this looks like:

• Reach out to people you’ve learned from
• Go to meetups, retreats, or conferences
• Collaborate on something together
• Join or start a group around the topic
• Take on a leadership role if you can
• Host your own gathering to bring folks together

Make sure to check out the full article here.

A masterclass to get unstuck in your career

Feeling stuck in your career?

My friend Executive Coach Maya Grossman is here to help.

She says:

In this free masterclass, Maya will share the 3 steps to escape the “doer” trap and become the obvious choice for VP.

You’ll walk away knowing how to:

1️⃣ Shift from 'workhorse' to strategic leader
2️⃣ Get visible to decision-makers without the awkwardness
3️⃣ Sell yourself as the obvious choice for VP

And finally get the recognition (and title) you deserve.

🗓️ July 21 at 12pm EST

​Reserve your spot now before it fills up.​

An all-time favorite book I'm revisiting

Last week, I talked about books I revisit every year.

​Essentialism by Greg McKeown is one of them.

If I had to choose a "philosophy" for life, it would be pretty close to the tagline for this book:

Whenever life feels like too much. Too many meetings. Too many decisions. Too much noise.

I return to this book.

Not just to clear space, but to reconnect with what truly matters.

As always, if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend checking out the full thing.

But the chart above does a great job at capturing the essence of the book.

😂

Reply telling me what resonated most!

(I read and respond to them all)

If someone forwarded this to you, Subscribe here.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​