PRODUCTIVITYWeeks to result

Optimal Training Ratio

Real World > Mental

Problem it solves

low productivity

Best for

Individuals seeking to improve cognitive or motor skills

Not ideal for

Those with severe physical or cognitive limitations

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Optimal Training Ratio framework suggests that real-world training is more effective than mental training, but combining both can lead to greater results. This framework provides guidance on how to allocate time for physical and mental training to achieve optimal results.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Real-world training is more effective than mental training.
  2. Mental training is more effective than no training.
  3. Combining physical and mental training can lead to greater results.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Determine Your Training Goals
    Identify the cognitive or motor skills you want to improve. Determine the maximum amount of physical training you can do per week.
    Pro tipStart with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training.
    WarningAvoid overtraining, which can lead to injury or burnout.
  2. Allocate Time for Physical and Mental Training
    Allocate time for physical training and mental training. Aim to do physical training for 10 hours per week and add 1-2 hours of mental training.
    Pro tipSchedule your training sessions in advance to ensure consistency.
    WarningAvoid doing mental training at times when you should be sleeping.
  3. Prioritize Sleep and Rest
    Get sufficient amounts of quality sleep every night, especially after physical and mental training. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
    Pro tipEstablish a consistent sleep schedule and create a sleep-conducive environment.
    WarningLack of sleep can negatively impact training results and overall health.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Tennis Player

A tennis player who is injured and cannot do physical training can use mental training to maintain and improve their skills.

OutcomeThe player is able to improve their skills and return to competition at a higher level than before the injury.
Musician

A musician who wants to improve their skills can use a combination of physical and mental training to achieve greater results.

OutcomeThe musician is able to improve their skills and perform at a higher level.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Insufficient Sleep
Failing to get sufficient sleep can negatively impact training results and overall health.
Overtraining
Doing too much physical or mental training can lead to injury or burnout.
Inconsistent Training
Failing to schedule and stick to a consistent training schedule can lead to poor results.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of Optimal Training Ratio is based on scientific research in the field of neuroscience and psychology, which has shown that a combination of physical and mental training can lead to improved cognitive and motor skills.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning
Andrew Huberman · 2023
Open source →

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