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Cheat Sheet This week’s trek is inspired by the Feynman Technique. Developed by Nobel winning physicist, Richard Feynman, this technique helps you simplify concepts so anyone can understand them. You know that moment when you're trying to explain something and all you get in response is a bunch of blank stares? These situations are often followed by a lot of frantic questions and disapproving looks as people try to sort out what the heck you're trying to say. Working out your thoughts in this fashion isn't always a bad thing but in high pressure situations when you know you've got short attention spans to cater to, you have to find a way to make your point as easy to digest as possible.  Introducing Your Cheat Sheet Exercise What It Is A 30-minute gut check to make sure you actually know what the heck you're talking about before a big presentation or meeting. Why We Love It  Sometimes you think you know a topic well and then you find yourself unable to make a single coherent point when you are asked to explain it to others. This exercise forces you to distill a concept into its simplest form - via a good old cheat sheet - to make sure you really know what you are talking about before presenting it to others. How It Works 1. Identify a concept you need to explain and really understand. This could be an issue you want your boss to take note of, a customer insight you want your team to absorb, or an idea you need to present at a big meeting. 2. Take 30 minutes and grab a piece of paper and put the name of your concept at the top. Then, imagine that you are creating a cheat sheet for an eight-year-old on this topic. Using plain language (no business jargon) define the concept, draw specific aspects out, and provide examples of your concept in practice.  3. As you write everything out, note any areas that tripped you up or that you were shaky on. Then, spend a few minutes reviewing your notes or sources on each of those areas to make sure your understanding is solid. 4. Next, review your cheat sheet once again and circle any jargon or complicated terms. Force yourself to rework those sections by incorporating simple language that a kid would relate to.  5. Finally, go back to the slides or talking points you had planned for your meeting and see how they compare to your cheat sheet. Look for places to simplify and rework accordingly.  Source: Farnam Street Want to dig deeper into this topic? To learn more about how to simplify pretty much anything, read this from Inc. To learn about why simplicity is often found by working through complexity, watch this TED talk by ecologist Eric Berlow. For a quick read on how to simplify your points for a presentation, read this from FastCo. Have a favorite trek?  Hit us up at treks@lifetrekkers.me and tell us which one you liked and what you learned! Here's what your fellow trekkers have to say about past treks: "The Wake-up Call trek really hit home for me. My best days are the ones when I avoid email until as late as possible and this reminded me to stay mindful. It's key to make sure I get grounded first so I can give important things the attention they deserve." - Vijay Rajendran, Director, BBVA New Ventures Tweet Tweet Email Us Learn More Copyright © 2018 LifeTrekkers, All rights reserved. Want more information? Drop us a line at info@lifetrekkers.me. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list.