PEAK: The Fastest Way to Become an Expert on Any Topic

I failed my first exam as a college student.

It’s apparently unwise to start studying at midnight for an exam that starts eight hours later.

This experience inspired me to create a studying process. By using that process during the rest of college, I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University with a 3.74 GPA. 

Less than 1% of college students get inducted into Phi Beta Kappa each year.

While I worked hard in college, my GPA was not the result of spending 50 hours a week in the library. Instead, it was the result of a strategic approach to learning and development that yielded better results in less time.

Since graduating from college more than 20 years ago, I’ve applied my studying process to develop expertise in a variety of topics related to peak performance. 

Here is my four-step process to become an expert quickly on any topic:

Step 1: Study.

Identify three of the world’s top experts on a topic. Then, read a book, attend a seminar, or take an online course by each person.

In only a few days or weeks, you can learn what it took each expert many years to discover.

Step 2: Practice.

While you will benefit simply from absorbing the wisdom of thought leaders, you can’t become an expert on a topic until you practice what you have learned.

For example, you can’t become an expert in public speaking just by studying public speaking. You have to practice speaking in public.

Similarly, you can’t become an expert in LinkedIn just by studying LinkedIn. You have to practice using LinkedIn.

As another example, you can’t become an expert in strength training just by studying strength training. You have to practice strength training.

By practicing what you learn through your initial study, you will deepen your understanding of the topic.

Step 3: Summarize.

Before any exam in college, part of my studying process was to go through my textbook and class notes and create a concise review sheet of the major ideas and concepts. 

This exercise forced me to synthesize the key points and to translate the ideas from the authors and my professors into my own words.

After you study and practice what you have learned, create a summary of your new knowledge.

This will expand your learning and leave you with a concise, valuable resource to refer to for years to come.

Step 4: Teach.

After you study, practice, and summarize what you have learned, you can take your expertise to an even higher level by teaching your topic to others.

You can do this by writing articles, delivering presentations, or sharing your newfound knowledge informally with friends, family, or colleagues.

As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.”

Developing expertise is a rewarding experience- personally, professionally, and financially.

I challenge you to identify a topic where greater knowledge would take your career or life to a higher level. Then, work this process over the next few months. The payoff will be well worth the effort.

What topic will you focus on first?

Trusted by Leading Organizations

Pete’s clients, speaking engagements, and media coverage have included the following: