#44 The vital role of action

Can skill in a racing video game translate into real-world talent behind the wheel of a sports car?

At this very moment, people worldwide are playing in racing simulators. If we were to pick some of the best of these and put them into a sports car on a racing circuit, would their talent translate into skill in a real-life race?

Most people would instinctively say no. How could even the most sophisticated video game and most realistic simulator set-up truly replicate real-life racing conditions, such as the g-forces on the neck and the adrenaline and fear of knowing that one wrong move could put the car in the wall?

Over the summer, I watched Gran Turismo in the cinema, a film inspired by the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a Gran Turismo racing simulation video game player who became a professional race car driver. His journey showcases the growing convergence of sim racing as a professional sport and its utilisation by professional race drivers to enhance their skills.

In Formula 1, simulators have emerged as indispensable tools for teams. They enable rigorous testing of setups and car upgrades before hitting the track and allow drivers to practice on circuits before race weekends. Simulators have grown in value because they enhance and expedite the learning process.

How we learn

The learning process can be simplified into three stages: Acquisition (gathering theoretical knowledge), Understanding (making sense of information and developing a conceptual framework) and Application (connecting theory to practice).

Application is pivotal as it bridges the theory-practice gap. Without it, learning remains theoretical and detached from real-life situations.

As many of us have experienced, theoretical knowledge from books or videos often falls short when applied to real-life scenarios. Hence, it's immensely valuable to actively engage in an activity while learning, as the Application stage fortifies the Understanding phase, creating a virtuous improvement cycle.

Implementation idea

When acquiring a new skill, aim to apply that knowledge and understanding at the earliest opportunity while learning. This increases the ROI from that knowledge acquisition. For example, when learning to code, have a practical project to apply those skills. When learning a language, practise speaking it after every lesson.

Theory and practical application are intertwined components of mastering something new, with theory providing the foundation and application bringing knowledge to life. To excel in learning, one must navigate both domains effectively, ensuring knowledge is not merely acquired but applied. It's through action that true mastery is achieved.

Best, Alex Joshi.

On my bedside table:

• Article: FT: Generative AI exists because of the transformer (link) - The article is good, but I was most interested in the way the story was told; the article is produced the FT Visual Storytelling Team

Comments, questions, disagreements? Hit reply to reach out to me directly.

And finally, if you're enjoying this content and know someone that would get value from this newsletter, please forward it on; it would also support me massively. Thank you!