Skill Super-

heroes
(For teens)

An inspiring story based on the

book ‘The first 20 hours’

Written and illustrated by

M. NABEEL MUSHARRAF
 Ummul Qura Masjid Project
Our vision for UMMUL QURA MASJID AND COMMUNITY
CENTRE (being built at 64 Eva St. Maddington, Western
Australia) is that it should be as closely aligned to the model of
the Masjid of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬as possible. You can also become a
part of this great Sadaqa Jariyyah opportunity by spending your
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some of the planned services from this center are as follows:

Congregational Weekend Women Shelter Boys Hostel

Prayers School (Daar Ayesha) (Ibn As-Sabeel)

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Marriage Classrooms and Dawah Activities Sports

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Ref: UQCC-WA | BIC/ Swift Code: CTBAAU2S
 ‫ُش ُك وًرا‬ ‫َزٓاًء َو اَل‬ ‫ُنِريُد ِم نُك ْم‬ ‫ِلَو ْج ِه ٱلَّلِه اَل‬
‫َج‬

Sama-O-Basr (Published in Aug 2023 in Australia)

Attribution required; Share-alike

 Foreword

Asalamu Alaikum wrb - Peace and Blessings be upon you!

"Dear young learners! We all have big dreams and many
fascinating things we want to explore and master.
However, sometimes, it can be a bit tricky to figure out
where to begin. To help you in such situations, we have
written an interesting story for you. It is based on an
incredible book called 'The First 20 Hours.' This book
reveals a straightforward method for learning anything
quickly and effectively! We hope you'll enjoy this story
and discover some valuable tips along the way."
Muhammad Nabeel Musharraf, Perth
 Table of contents
Chapter 01: A World of Dreams 05
Chapter 02: The Quest Begins 08
Chapter 03: An Oath by the Sea 10
Chapter 04: From Mountains to Morsels 14
Chapter 05: Guided by Wisdom 17
Chapter 06: Leaping beyond Barriers 20
Chapter 07: Navigating to Learning Excellence 26
Chapter 08: Empowering Wisdom 35
Chapter 09: Cracking the Code 40
Chapter 10: From Vision to Victory 52
 1. A World of Dreams
The school playground buzzed with youthful energy under the
blazing sun in Perth. In the midst of the student crowd, Aimen and
Javeria, two inseparable friends, discovered comfort on a weathered
bench. They were more than classmates - they were like-minded
souls, with dreams that reached far beyond what the eye could see.
From that bench, they could see the basketball court where their
classmates were engrossed in some impressive moves. Aimen
contemplated for a moment and then said, "How did they learn all
this? Should we give it a try too?" She quickly reconsidered, saying,
"Nah, I have other dreams and aspirations that require my time."
Javeria, always friendly, smiled in understanding and nodded, their
eyes conveying a shared secret. "You read my mind, Aimen. While
they concentrate on layups, we have different ambitions."
Considering the closeness of this topic to their hearts, they delved
into a heartfelt discussion. Aimen, gazing into the distance, shared
her deepest thoughts. "Javeria, reciting the Quran has always deeply
moved me. But one barrier I face is understanding Arabic." In
Aimen’s family, the Quran held a place of deep reverence, but its
meanings remained an enigma. Aimen longed to unveil the hidden
wisdom within those wonderful words. She couldn't help but admire
the scholars of their community who had mastered Arabic language,
making the Quran's treasures accessible to all. She wanted to be like
them in terms of her understanding of the Quran and in terms of
being able to help her community.
Javeria leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "As for me, Aimen, I'm
drawn to graphic design; this will be my way of serving the
community. Just look around; the world is evolving at lightning
speed, yet it seems like we are missing out. Take those event posters
on the noticeboard, for example. They're often cryptic, overloaded
with information, or suffering from poor color choices." Her eyes
gleamed with passion. "I want to empower our community with this
vital skill. Remember those illustrated books by iCAN Sama-O-Basr?
These books are very well-designed alhamdolillah. I want to craft
something equally captivating."
As the sun dipped lower, painting the world in shades of orange and
pink, their conversation took a practical turn. Aimen pondered, "They
say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill." The sheer magnitude of
that number hit them, and their laughter began to resonate across
the playground. Javeria chuckled, "We'd be gray and wrinkled before
reaching that milestone." Aimen nodded, her smile fading,
determination shining in her eyes. "There must be a more efficient
way, a smarter path to learning a skill."
In harmony, they explored various possibilities, their enthusiasm
growing with each idea. Finally, they hatched a plan. Aimen's smile
was infectious. "Let's venture to that famous second-hand bookstore
in Fremantle, in search of the guide to our dreams."
Javeria wholeheartedly agreed, and together they set a goal. By
pooling their pocket money, they'd save every penny, knowing that
the book they sought would become their guiding star, leading them
toward their cherished aspirations. The sun had nearly vanished
beyond the horizon, but their dreams burned brighter than ever.
 2. The Quest Begins
Aimen and Javeria had embarked on a mission that filled their days
with anticipation and determination. They diligently saved every bit
of their pocket money until their shared treasure grew large enough
to buy the key to their dreams – a book. When the moment finally
arrived, they couldn't contain their excitement. Spotting each other
in the school playground, they exchanged triumphant high-fives. The
day they had eagerly awaited had finally arrived; they could finally
purchase the book that they hoped would pave their path to
acquiring the skills they aspired to learn.
As the weekend dawned, they set out for Fremantle, a historic town
known for its charm and a second-hand bookstore that held a
legendary reputation for its extensive collection. Their hearts
brimmed with eagerness as they looked ahead to the adventure
unfolding before them. By 10 AM, they had arrived at their
destination, and the charming exterior of the store invited them to
step in.
Upon entering, they were greeted by towering shelves that seemed
to stretch toward the sky. The bookstore was a labyrinth of
knowledge, featuring sections spanning history, fiction, science,
engineering, self-help, psychology, mental health, animated books,
and even culinary delights. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of
books, they exchanged uncertain glances. Where would they find the
treasure they sought? Feeling overwhelmed, they sought guidance
from the wise store owner, who directed them to the self-help
section. Their search led them to titles like "The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People" and books by Dale Carnegie. While these looked
like great books, none offered the specific guidance they needed.
Just as disappointment threatened to overshadow their excitement,
Aimen's keen eyes spotted a book titled 'The First 20 Hours.' She
pointed it out to Javeria, and they eagerly flipped through its pages,
ensuring it aligned with their objectives.
Within the first chapter, they discovered a revelation that mirrored
their conversation on the school playground – the notion of requiring
10,000 hours to master a skill. Their intrigue grew as they as they
read this. The author challenged the conventional wisdom and
proposed a far swifter method for acquiring skills. A shared smile
passed between them; they knew they had finally found their guide.
With hearts full of hope, they returned to the shop owner, paid for
the book, and clutched it with joy. Javeria couldn't resist the
temptation and suggested, "Aimen, how about we head to the
Fremantle boat harbor and enjoy some fish and chips while reading
the first chapter of our newfound treasure?" Aimen's eyes lit up with
enthusiasm as she agreed, "Fish and chips sound perfect, Javeria.
Let's savor the start of our journey."
 3. An Oath by the Sea
The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the
Fremantle boat harbor. Aimen and Javeria enjoyed the soft ocean
breeze and the unique smell of the sea that filled the air. Seagulls
swooped and played in the sky above, while beneath the wooden
deck, graceful jellyfish danced through the clear waters. Settling
onto the wooden deck, their anticipation matched only by the
serenity of their surroundings, they ordered the iconic fish and chips.
It wasn't just a meal; it was a feast to celebrate the beginning of
their journey. As their plates arrived, they opened the book to
chapter one, their eager eyes scanning the words together.
Within the pages of the chapter, they discovered the truth about the
10,000 hours. The author stressed that while mastery might seem
like an endless journey of up to 10,000 hours, the first 20 hours of
deliberate practice were sufficient to achieve rapid improvement in a
new skill. During this timeframe, a person could attain a reasonable
level of proficiency. A wave of excitement engulfed them. Aimen
remarked, "That means we can acquire these skills before our hair
turns gray." Laughter filled the air between them.
Their eyes darted back to the text, where the author made a
distinction between physical skills and knowledge-based skills. While
mastering physical skills, such as becoming NBA players, could be an
arduous journey, knowledge-based skills, like graphic design and
language learning, held the promise of rapid acquisition. Grateful for
their choice of not becoming the NBA players, they shared another
hearty laugh. Aimen and Javeria's excitement reached new heights as
they realized their chosen skills fit seamlessly into this framework.
Graphic design and Arabic language would be their canvas for the
next adventure.
Their reading journey continued, unveiling three key barriers to
learning a skill: lack of time, lack of ability, and lack of interest. The
girls deliberated on their chosen paths. Aimen expressed concern
about the time constraints with their busy schedules, including
iCAN’s Quran Circles and sports activities. She suggested, "Should
we consider skipping Quran Circles?" Javeria defended the value of
Quran Circles. "Aimen, these circles have molded us into who we are
today. They've enriched our personalities. We can't forsake them.
And sports activities are important too." Aimen nodded, agreeing
with Javeria's point. "Absolutely, Javeria. So, how do we go about
making this plan a reality?" they pondered. After some thought, they
came up with a solution: dedicating a specific time each day, after
Fajr prayers, to pursue their learning goals.
With determination, Aimen stressed, "This early morning time is
when we are most focused and productive." Javeria's face lit up with
a smile, but she added playfully, "Well, if only we weren't distracted
by social media and other things that keep us awake at night!" They
shared a laugh, shaking their heads in agreement. Javeria then
suggested, "Yes, let's make it a commitment to spend one hour
learning after Fajr.
My father mentioned a hadith to me once that speaks about the
blessings during this time. Let's strive for that blessings to lead us
toward accomplishing our goals." Javeria nodded in agreement,
shaking hands as a pact of commitment. "One problem solved,"
Aimen smiled.
The conversation then shifted to the final two barriers they faced:
lack of ability and lack of interest. Aimen posed the question, "Do
we really lack ability and interest?" They exchanged a glance, sharing
a brief moment of contemplative silence before erupting into
laughter, their heads shaking in unison. "Certainly not!" they
declared with unwavering confidence. Aimen proudly shared her
father's faith in her abilities, affectionately calling herself his
"supergirl." Javeria seamlessly joined in, affirming her own
unwavering passion for graphic design and her confidence in her
capabilities. She added, "All girls are supergirls in many ways, and all
boys are superboys in many ways. Allah has made each of us special
in our own unique ways and given us special talents."
As they delved further into the book, they soon realized that it
placed a strong emphasis on the importance of focusing on one skill
at a time. This realization left them feeling somewhat concerned
because they harbored other interests as well. Aimen had a deep
desire to learn calligraphy, while Javeria aspired to master the art of
photography. They contemplated the author's words and ultimately
concluded that the right approach would indeed be to concentrate on
one skill at a time. They acknowledged that they shouldn't spread
themselves too thin, and that they could pursue those other skills at
a later point. For now, they decided to focus on what they valued
most.
Feeling inspired, they made a heartfelt promise to each other -
Aimen would devote herself to mastering the Arabic language, while
Javeria would immerse herself wholeheartedly in the captivating
world of graphic design.

With their plates now empty and hearts full, they embraced each
other, sealing their pact. "I'm all fired up," Aimen exclaimed, and
they made their way to the bus stop, ready to tackle their newfound
dreams.
They decided to meet once more in the school playground after the
day's lessons on Monday, where the pages of their book awaited
them, brimming with the promise of knowledge and the adventure of
skill acquisition.
 4. From Mountains to Morsels
On that bright Monday morning, Aimen and Javeria's minds were
consumed by the path that lay ahead of them as they made their way
to school. As their school day progressed, they eagerly anticipated
their post-school meeting, a time they had come to cherish as the
gateway to their dreams. When the gentle melody of the school bell
echoed through the corridors, signaling the end of classes, the two
friends hastened towards the playground, exchanging warm greetings
along the way. Finally reaching the familiar old bench, a silent
witness to countless conversations and dreams throughout the years,
Aimen and Javeria knew in their hearts that it would witness
something special today. Their discussion carried the promise of an
extraordinary journey. With their book in hand, they flipped open to
chapter two, ready to immerse themselves in a world of fresh ideas
and illuminating concepts.
Their reading journey began with a profound insight from the author:
"Begin With the End in Mind." This concept emphasized the
importance of envisioning the desired outcome and understanding
what success would look like. The goal of the 20-hour approach was
not to become a master of the chosen skill. Instead, it aimed to
establish a strong foundation that would enable the ability to
practice and self-correct effectively. To accomplish this, the next
step involved breaking down the ultimate objective into manageable
components. Aimen shared a personal anecdote that perfectly
exemplified this concept. She recounted her mother's weight loss
journey. Initially feeling demotivated by the daunting task of
shedding 20 kilograms, her mother sought guidance. With the
support of her family, she shifted her perspective. Instead of solely
fixating on the end goal, they encouraged her to celebrate smaller
victories along the way.
Setting a weekly goal of losing 1 kilogram, her mother experienced
remarkable progress. This strategic approach transformed her into a
healthier and happier individual. Aimen explained that her mother
had meticulously deconstructed her goal, addressing key aspects like
diet, exercise, and sleep. She even joined a fitness group. By
mastering the fundamentals, she achieved her objective.
Inspired by this revelation, Javeria eagerly suggested, "Aimen, we can
adopt this principle for our dreams as well. Let's start by clearly
defining what we want to achieve and then break down our pursuits
into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help us prioritize and
focus on the essential elements." Aimen nodded emphatically,
emphasizing an important point, "Absolutely right. When learning a
skill, we often get overwhelmed with details and lose sight of the
bigger picture. We will need to be mindful of this."
Mrs. Malik explained that it is indeed possible to reach a reasonable
level of Arabic comprehension in just 20 hours. She mentioned how
people witness significant progress if they follow the right learning
approach during those initial 20 hours. Those first hours are crucial,
and as long as one doesn't give up, they can experience rapid
improvement. Mrs. Malik shared with Aimen that even her father
too learned Arabic in just 20 hours through the Lisan-ul-Quran course
by Shaykh Amir Suhail. Aimen was surprised to hear that her father
also completed the course in 20 hours and even progressed to higher
levels of Quranic Arabic. She jokingly said that her father owes her a
pack of cookies for keeping this opportunity a secret. They both
shared a warm smile as they ended their conversation. Aimen left
Mrs. Malik's home feeling grateful in her heart.
 Emotional Barriers: Physical Barriers:
Perception that the task is too big or difficult; Lack Inconvenient location of the class;
of motivation or feeling of inadequacy; Boredom Limited access to printed materials (books);
during the learning process; Procrastination; Lack of access to Lisan ul Quran lectures;
Difficulty in setting priorities Geographic distance or travel constraints

Personal Barriers: Methodological Barriers:

Time management issues; Incompatibility between the teaching method and
Challenges with self-guided learning; the learner's preferences or style (Dad told me that
Dependence on group learning for motivation there are many techniques that don’t work; people
(inability to remain motivated by myself) just put whatever on youtube) :(
 Emotional Barriers: Technical Barriers:
Self-doubt about creative abilities; Limited access to necessary software and tools;
Fear of not meeting high design standards; Insufficient knowledge of graphic design
Hesitation in sharing work due to fear of software; Inadequate understanding of design
criticism principles and techniques.

Personal Barriers:
Methodological Barriers:
Inability to allocate sufficient time for practice
Starting with advanced tools and then getting
and learning; Lack of constructive feedback or
confused about so many features that they offer
critique from experienced designers.
“As we progress, we can increase the complexity. If we aim for
perfection from the beginning, we might lose confidence in our
abilities," she added. "I fully agree. This approach will help eliminate
the perception that the task is too big or difficult. It will also allow us
to achieve quick wins and remain motivated," Javeria concurred.
She continued, “You also listed 'boredom.' How would that happen,
Aimen?” Javeria asked. “I think that happens when one does not
have interest in a subject. We should keep watching videos that
highlight the importance of what we are learning and attend lectures
that reinforce the same. Our 'why' has to be very clear to us. If that
'why' is clear, we will not procrastinate, and we will be able to
prioritize our learning,” Aimen clarified.
She continued, "In order to overcome physical barriers, I will attend
the classes along with my dad. He plans on retaking the course to
refresh his knowledge." Javeria interrupted her with laughter. "So
that means you will always be the first one to arrive in class." Aimen
joined in the laughter. "Yes, it seems like that will be the case." She
then added, "As for the book, I will borrow it from Ummul Qura
Library." Javeria nodded in agreement. "That library is a lifesaver."
Both of them smiled.
“How about you, Javeria? How will you overcome the technical
difficulties?” “In terms of software, I am planning to use Canva. I
have played with it a little bit, and a lot can be done with it. It is no
longer just a poster-making tool. One can even create AI images on
it and more. I intend to use Canva. The great thing about it is that a
lot of training materials for this are available on YouTube. That
would remove many barriers for me.” “Good thinking,” Aimen
acknowledged. “I will send my work to Tauseef uncle for review and
feedback. His feedback would really help me,” Javeria added.
 7. Navigating to Learning
Excellence
"Knock, knock." It must be Aimen. Javeria hurried to open the door,
and there stood her friend Aimen with a broad smile on her face.
"Assalam o Alaikum, Javeria. How is your morning?" Aimen asked in
a genuinely amiable tone. "I am doing great, fully excited to continue
our journey. Come in," Javeria replied warmly.
As the girls entered the house, Javeria's mother emerged from the
kitchen. Aimen greeted her, and she responded with a friendly smile,
patting Aimen's head.
"Come, girls. I have prepared something special for you – Carrot
Halwa, yummmm," Javeria's mother announced. Aimen informed her
that she had already taken breakfast, but she insisted on her trying
the delicious treat that she prepared especially for her. "Our moms
love to cook!" Javeria whispered in Aimen’s ear with a smile. Aimen
nodded in agreement. "And they love to see us enjoy their food. But
I love it because it's filled with warmth. Affection is the most
precious thing in life," she added. Javeria nodded, and both girls
savored the carrot halwa while chatting about various topics, from
school to sports and beyond. After finishing their treat, they headed
to the study room to delve into the next chapter of their book.
Settled in the study room with their diaries open and pens at the
ready, the girls were eager to embark on the next phase of their
learning journey—creating a plan to implement effective learning
techniques.
Aimen, filled with anticipation, turned to Javeria and exclaimed,
"Javeria, this chapter from 'The First 20 Hours' is invaluable! It's all
about practical principles for effective learning. Let's dive into them
and see how they can help us." Javeria responded with curiosity,
"Yes, I can sense your enthusiasm. Honestly, I'm just as thrilled. If we
can master these principles, we'll be on our way to success. Let's
begin with these principles." Aimen smiled and said, "Let's start with
the first one: 'Research the Skill and Related Topics.' I believe it's
about understanding the fundamentals of our skills. Alhamdolillah,
we seem to have already started on this path. At this stage, we
should benefit from carefully chosen courses, books, or tutorials
without going overboard. We'll focus on the key components we
identified earlier." Javeria agreed, "That's true, Aimen. I've also done
some research on graphic design. I think we're on the right track."
Both girls began jotting down notes from their previous research and
the new information they gathered.
Aimen, looking slightly puzzled while reading the next point, said,
"The upcoming point is about 'Identify Mental Models and Mental
Hooks.' I find it a bit confusing." Javeria, feeling confident,
suggested, "Let's seek guidance from my dad. He can help us
understand this." "Good idea," agreed Aimen. They approached
Javeria's father, Uncle Muneeb, who was a life coach. Aimen initiated
the conversation, saying, "Uncle Muneeb, we're struggling to
comprehend a concept. Could you assist us in understanding it?"
Javeria's father took a look at the pages Aimen had brought and
quickly grasped the author's intention. He began explaining, "It's an
intriguing point. A mental model is a simplified representation of
how something works. Since it's impossible to hold all the details of
the world in our brains, we employ models to make complex things
more comprehensible. For instance, when studying Arabic grammar,
try to construct a basic model of sentence structure in your mind,
focusing on key elements. This will aid in understanding the bigger
picture."
Turning to Javeria, he continued, "The same principle applies to
graphic design. You can identify the crucial components that make
up a graphic design and mentally visualize their interactions. These
components could include graphic objects, colors, layouts,
proportions, and so on. Does this concept resonate with both of
you?" "Yes, Uncle," they replied, now with greater clarity. Javeria
then inquired, "Could you also explain what mental hooks are?"
Uncle Muneeb affectionately patted Javeria's head and said,
"Certainly, my dear daughter. Mental hooks are techniques of
association. For instance, people often create acronyms to aid in
memory retention. Instead of trying to recall long sentences or
phrases, they remember acronyms and associate the letters with
what they want to remember. For example, when we say that
objectives should be SMART, we mean they should be specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This helps in easily
recalling and understanding the key aspects of the concept."
Similarly, certain symbols have specific meanings. Javeria, remember
what it signifies in cricket when the umpire raises both arms?"
Javeria replied, "Yes, Papa, it means the batsman scored six runs."
"Exactly," Uncle Muneeb confirmed. "That's a mental hook. Create
such hooks for yourselves to enhance learning." Both girls exchanged
relieved glances, satisfied with the clarity they had gained. They
expressed their gratitude to Uncle Muneeb for his guidance before
returning to the study room, eager to continue their in-depth
exploration of the learning materials.
Seated on bean bags in the study room, they resumed their studies.
Javeria, with a pensive tone, asked, "Aimen, the next point is
intriguing: 'Imagine the Opposite of What You Want.' What does it
mean?" Aimen responded, "I think it means envisioning what it
would be like if we fail to acquire the skills we want to learn. For me,
that would mean never mastering Arabic and missing out on the
beauty of the Quran. Oh no, I would never want this to happen! I
want to learn the language of the Quran to be with my father on the
day of judgement. My dad wishes to see Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬at
Al-Kauther smiling to see him come and saying, 'Come O righteous
slave! I bestow my love to you.' He longs to drink from his blessed
hands. I want to be there with with my father in that moment too. I
want the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬to acknowledge me too I dedicated my life in
his love. I want to present my understanding of the Arabic language
and the Quran to Syeduna Rasool Allah ‫ ﷺ‬there."
Aimen began to cry profusely as she expressed her feelings. Javeria
hugged her tightly and wiped away her tears, saying, "In sha Allah,
we will all be united in the service of our beloved Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. I will
serve the ummah through the field of graphic design. I will create
content that inspires people to explore the beautiful religion of
Islam. I can't even fathom not doing that." They held each other in a
heartfelt embrace, lost in reflective thoughts for a moment.
After a few moments, when their emotions had settled, they
resumed their studies. The topics of motivation, procrastination, and
setting priorities came up in their discussion. Aimen mentioned a
community activist named Sr. Maryam who gives lectures on these
subjects. They both agreed to arrange a meeting with her. "I'm so
grateful we have such brilliant minds in our community. Let's seek
their advice and work towards our success, in sha Allah," Javeria
exclaimed. Aimen's eyes were filled with gratitude as well.
Aimen continued, "The next point in the book emphasizes
eliminating distractions and having a dedicated workspace." "That's
true. We should sit in a quiet and conducive environment, free of
distractions, to learn effectively. I'll turn off notifications on my
computer and put my phone on silent to fully immerse myself in
graphic design," said Javeria. "I'll do the same," Aimen concurred.
Aimen turned the page and read, "Use Spaced Repetition and
Reinforcement for Memorization." Javeria smiled and said, "It seems
like we already anticipated what this book would cover. We agreed
on our learning and practice times yesterday. Our planned morning
routine, coupled with evening revision, will be beneficial for better
information processing by the brain." Aimen nodded in agreement.
Aimen proceeded to the next point, "For 'Create Scaffolds and
Checklists,' we can outline our learning plans." Javeria, with
enthusiasm in her tone, added, "And create detailed checklists for
our projects!" "Exactly. Let's work with our mentors to create a day-
by-day learning plan. We'll identify what we need to learn based on
the chunks we've identified and set a time frame for each task,"
Aimen suggested. "That will also help us with self and peer
accountability," Javeria added. Aimen playfully chimed in, "Yes, I'm
ready to hold you accountable," accompanied by a comical cat-like
expression, leading to both girls bursting into laughter.
Aimen continued with a thoughtful tone, "Javeria, 'Make and Test
Predictions' is fascinating. I can test my knowledge by forming
sentences and predicting how the grammar would work. Then, I'll
read the analysis and compare it with my predictions. It sounds like a
fantastic way to enhance our learning." Javeria, with genuine
excitement, agreed, "I love that idea, Aimen! It adds an analytical
dimension to our learning."
Aimen then shared with a reflective tone, "And the final point!
'Honor Your Biology.' To me, it means we should listen to our bodies
and minds and take breaks when needed." She closed the book with
a relieved look on her face. "Alhamdulillah, we've covered a very
important chapter today," Javeria remarked. While they were
discussing this, the alarm clock in Javeria's room began playing the
Adhan. Both girls performed ablution, offered their prayer, and made
a heartfelt dua for their success.
By this time, Aimen's father had arrived to pick her up. She bid
farewell to Javeria. Aimen's father was waiting in the car, playing
Nasheeds loudly as he always did. "Dadddd! can you please lower the
volume? I'm at my friend's place!" Aimen requested. "Of course," he
replied, saluting with his hand as he lowered the volume. He kissed
Aimen on the head, and the car drove off. Aimen waved to Javeria
from the car's window.
The room was buzzing with excitement as Aimen and Javeria
discussed their aspirations to improve their chosen skills. They
realized that to achieve their goals, they would need to look at things
from different perspectives, take responsibility for their actions, and
be willing to ask for help when needed.
They both felt ready for this journey of self-improvement. They were
determined to unlock their hidden potential. They figured out that
making excuses would only stop them from reaching their dreams.
Aimen got curious and asked Sister Maryam about another important
thing: "internal excuses." Sister Maryam explained that these are like
made-up rules we tell ourselves, saying we can't do something even
when we can. Sometimes, we think we're not good enough because
we messed up before or because others did. These thoughts hold us
back and stop us from trying new things.
"Some even believe that if something has never been accomplished
in the past, its attainment in the future is out of reach," Sr. Maryam
explained. Eager to understand the root causes, Aimen inquired, "But
why do people fall into this line of thinking, Sr. Maryam?" With
wisdom, Sr. Maryam responded, "These excuses often stem from
fears and doubts: fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of stepping
out of one's comfort zone. Overcoming these excuses is essential to
unlocking our true potential."
Captivated by their dialogue, Auntie Fatima, Aimen's mother, sought
practical guidance from Sr. Maryam. Graciously accepting the
request, Sr. Maryam then revealed an array of empowering
strategies. "One powerful approach is to reframe negative thoughts
into positive affirmations, while shifting our focus from problems to
solutions," she began. Sr. Maryam emphasized the importance of
transforming self-limiting statements such as "I can't do this" into
affirmations of capability like "I am fully capable of handling this
situation." By intentionally replacing negative self-talk with positive
and empowering words, individuals can cultivate a mindset brimming
with optimism and confidence. While it is natural to dwell on
difficulties and negative aspects when faced with setbacks, Sr.
Maryam cautioned against immobility and a victim mentality.
Instead, she encouraged redirecting one's energy towards seeking
viable solutions and practical steps to overcome challenges. This shift
in mindset empowers individuals to view problems as opportunities
for growth and to approach them with proactive determination.
Aimen and Javeria were learning what they needed to do and were
determined to put it into practice. They were prepared to pursue
their dreams with unwavering determination. By transforming
negative thoughts into positive affirmations, they set out on a
journey to cultivate a more empowering and hopeful state of mind.
Instead of becoming stuck on problems, they learned that success
lies in embracing solutions, taking responsibility, unleashing hidden
creativity, and actively seeking ways to overcome challenges. These
practices were like powerful tools, promising to help shape their
problem-solving and learning skills.
As Sr. Maryam continued to share her wisdom, she urged, "I implore
you to maintain unwavering consistency in your actions, even when
confronted with the most formidable of circumstances. In doing so,
you shall forge an unstoppable momentum, breaking free from the
shackles of excuses." Aimen and Javeria absorbed these
transformative insights with unwavering focus, their hands deftly
transcribing these gems onto the pages of their diaries.
As her words hung in the air, Sr. Maryam asked, "Do you understand
better now? Does it make sense to you?" Both girls nodded, saying,
"Definitely!" They thanked Sr. Maryam for her time. With these
profound lessons resonating within them, the promise of something
delightful drew near. Aimen's mother interrupted with a warm smile,
saying, "If that's the case, then some tasty samosas are waiting for
you." Everyone grinned and eagerly enjoyed the delicious samosas,
their taste buds savoring not only the flavors but also the newfound
wisdom that had graced their evening.
Aimen initiated the discussion, curiosity dancing in her eyes, "So,
how did you find these chapters?" Javeria, still mulling over the
insights she had gained, responded, "I found them truly fascinating.
It's astonishing how a seemingly simple process can be employed to
acquire such a wide range of skills." Aimen, nodding in agreement,
remarked, "Indeed, it's remarkable. What's even more intriguing is
how consistently the author applied the four steps of rapid skill
acquisition in each of his learning endeavors." Javeria grinned,
recognizing the synchrony in their observations, and encouraged
Aimen to share her insights first, asking, "Would you like to kick off
our discussion with the first step?" Aimen eagerly obliged, her words
flowing smoothly, "Certainly. The first step, 'Deconstructing a skill
into the smallest possible sub-skills,' is quite evident. In Chapter 4,
for example, as the author embarked on the journey of learning to
program using Ruby, he meticulously deconstructed the art of
programming into smaller, manageable sub-skills like testing,
debugging, and problem-solving. This breakdown not only
demystified the complex skill but also allowed him to focus on
honing specific components."
Javeria, showcasing her own fascination with rapid skill acquisition,
chimed in, "I've got an example as well, stemming from my love for
fast typing, which I found in Chapter 10. Here, the author dissects
touch typing into various essential components: rearranging the
keyboard layout, developing the ability to type characters by touch,
practicing typing sentences, and steadily elevating typing speed and
accuracy. This structured approach helped him chart his progress
effectively. By tackling each sub-skill individually, he could master
them before experiencing their combined impact." Aimen leaned in,
excitement in her voice, and added, "And if we look at the remaining
chapters, we'll likely find similar patterns. But for now, shall we
explore the second step?" Javeria responded enthusiastically,
“Absolutely! Bring it on!”
Aimen, finding inspiration by the peaceful riverside, recalled how the
author learned windsurfing. "In his journey of learning, he discovered
a crucial skill in windsurfing—the art of positioning the sail correctly.
To excel at it, he delved into comprehending the precise rules that
dictate the sail's placement. He explored the interaction between the
wind and the sail, how to adjust the sail angle based on the wind's
direction, and how to maintain balance. With this solid foundation of
understanding, the author could practice the skill and self-correct. He
became adept at swiftly adjusting the sail's position as both the wind
and his own balance changed. This continuous self-correction greatly
enhanced his windsurfing abilities."
Javeria nodded in agreement, her gaze steady and focused. She went
on, "I've taken note of an example from chapter 6 where the author
explains how he learned to play a musical instrument. While some
scholars may have reservations about certain musical instruments, the
author's experience can still help us understand the learning process.
In this chapter, the author openly acknowledges the presence of
mental barriers, especially self-doubt, which can impede our
progress. However, he shows that with persistent effort and gaining
confidence in playing chords and strumming patterns, these obstacles
can be overcome." Aimen chimed in, "What I also found fascinating
was the author's discovery that by learning just five chords, not
hundreds, one could play a large number of songs. That's incredible
and applies to most skills. By mastering only a few key things, we
can attain a reasonable level of proficiency."
"Alright, we've reached the final step: 'Practicing the most important
sub-skills for at least twenty hours,'" Aimen declared. Javeria
passionately added her observation, "Throughout the book, the
author emphasizes the crucial role of dedicated practice. In every
skill he tackles—whether it's programming, windsurfing, playing the
ukulele, touch typing, or yoga—he devotes a significant amount of
time to rigorous practice. For example, he spent 21 hours practicing
touch typing to achieve his desired typing speed. In Chapter 5, during
his windsurfing journey, he tirelessly worked on fundamental sub-
skills like launching the board, hoisting the sail, and navigating
different wind conditions until he reached a commendable level of
proficiency, a feat accomplished through a relentless practice of 20
hours." Aimen chimed in with a warm smile, "Absolutely, the age-old
saying that practice makes perfect holds true for individuals of all
ages and genders." The two friends exchanged smiles, reflecting their
shared excitement for the journey ahead.
"Alright, we've tackled the four primary steps, and I must say, it's
been quite an exciting journey," Aimen declared with a grin. She
then turned to Javeria with curiosity, "By the way, did you happen to
spot any other recurring themes?" Javeria's face lit up with
enthusiasm as she responded, "Oh, you bet I did! I've got some
interesting notes on that. Want a sneak peek?" Aimen couldn't resist
the offer and eagerly accepted Javeria's diary, ready to dive into the
additional themes she had uncovered. Here's what they found:

Goal Setting:
• The author consistently sets specific goals for each stage of
the learning process, progressively increasing the level of
proficiency he aspires to achieve.
Learning from Examples and Others:
• The author leverages existing examples and resources to
enhance his learning.
• In Chapter 9, he learns Go by studying ranked problems and
books on Go strategy for beginners. In Chapter 10, while
mastering touch typing, the author utilizes typing tutors and
established training methods, learning from existing tools
and experiences.
Learning by Doing:
• No one becomes an expert by simply watching YouTube
videos! :)
Acquiring Necessary Tools and Resources:
• The author ensures he has the appropriate tools and
resources to facilitate his skill acquisition. Obviously, no one
can play cricket without a cricket bat or something or similar
size and shape :)
Feedback Loop:
• The concept of a feedback loop in skill acquisition is a
continuous cycle, involving practicing the skill; self-assessment
utilizing resources such as experts, answer keys etc,;
adjustment based on the feedback; and refinement.
Aimen complimented Javeria's analytical approach, saying, "You're
really good at seeing connections and finding main themes." She
jokingly raised Javeria's arm in a triumphant gesture, like a boxer
who has conquered the ring, and they both laughed together.
"I think we've got a thorough grasp of what the book has to offer.
Let's finalize our plan and kickstart our learning journey starting next
Monday," Javeria proposed. Aimen's excitement was palpable as she
responded eagerly, "I can hardly wait!"
With their plans in place, the girls joined their families for some fun
before eventually heading home, their hearts brimming with
anticipation for the transformative journey that awaited them.
Their dedicated routine consisted of studying after Fajr and revising
after Isha, ensuring an uninterrupted learning environment. Despite
the challenges they encountered on their journey, they remained
steadfast in their commitment, replacing any negativity with
unwavering positivity. The mutual support they provided, regularly
checking each other's progress and offering motivation, played a
pivotal role in their success. As their journey neared completion,
Aimen began to master the skill of crafting Arabic sentences, while
Javeria gradually honed her poster-making abilities. She even
designed some posters for iCAN's activities. Their journey was not
just about learning but also a testament to the power of
determination and mutual support.
Their families stood as pillars of unwavering support throughout their
learning journey, going above and beyond to facilitate their progress.
The relentless march of time continued until both of them had
amassed approximately 20 hours of dedicated practice. Reuniting on
the 21st day, they joyfully shared their individual journeys and
reveled in their remarkable progress.
Aimen proudly showcased her newfound ability to understand the
ayat of the Quran. She recited Surah Ar-Rahman and explained the
meaning of the beautiful words she recited. Deeply impressed by her
friend's achievements, Javeria eagerly shared her own successes,
revealing a multitude of artworks, including a beautifully illustrated
children's storybook.
In that moment, their eyes brimmed with thankfulness towards Allah
and a profound sense of gratitude. With heartfelt appreciation, they
embraced each other and collectively expressed their thanks to Allah
for granting them the opportunity to acquire skills that would enable
them to serve the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬.
"Aimen, I have a brilliant idea," Javeria exclaimed with excitement as
sudden inspiration struck her. "What is it, Javeria? Please share; I'm
eager to hear," Aimen responded enthusiastically. "How about we
document our incredible journey in a book so that others can benefit
from it too?" Javeria suggested. "What a marvelous idea! Let's do it.
We shall title this book 'Skill Superheroes: Aimen and Javeria's Epic
Learning Adventure,'" Aimen became excited. Let us commence our
new adventure with a heartfelt dua," Javeria raised her hands in
supplication, and Aimen joined in.
‫الَّل ُه َّم اْنَف ْع ِن ي ِب َم ا َع َّل ْم َت ِن ي َو َع ِّل ْم ِن ي َم ا َي ْنَف ُع ِن ي َو ِز ْد ِن ي ِع ْل ًم ا‬
O Allah, benefit me from that which You taught me, and teach me
that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.
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