The importance of 'deep work' and the '30-hour study method' to eliminate distractions when learning new things

By Hamza Butt

While learning something new for work, school, or a hobby can be fun, it can also be frustrating, especially when you're being forced to do it. This blog explains two methods for studying efficiently: 'Deep Work,' which creates an environment where you can concentrate by eliminating distractions like email and social media, and the '30-Hour Study Method,' which divides 30 hours into seven study segments.

The Importance of Deep Work & The 30-Hour Method for Learning a New Skill | Azeria Labs
https://azeria-labs.com/the-importance-of-deep-work-the-30-hour-method-for-learning-a-new-skill/

This blog entry was published by Azeria Labs , a blog about the ARM architecture of embedded systems. It describes how to incorporate new knowledge and achieve results in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

The entry mentions Cal Newport's book 'Deep Work,' which states that the formula for maximizing work results is ' maximizing work style = time spent x concentration .' The book also offers advice based on cognitive science and psychology on how to create an environment that eliminates distracting noise and how to immerse yourself in your work.

Focus on What Matters: The Scientific Method for Maximizing Productivity in a Distracting World | Cal Newport, Misuzu Kadota | Books | Online Shopping | Amazon

It is better to incorporate some kind of method to concentrate and do deep work, and the book lists the following four ideas.

Ascetic : Maximizing deep effort by thoroughly eliminating shallow obligations
Bimodal : Divide your time into long periods of time for deep concentration, and reserve the rest for other things.
Rhythm : The easiest way to practice deep work is to turn it into a simple, regular habit.
Journalistic : Do deep work on your own schedule, wherever it suits you (for experienced writers)

While using this deep work, it is recommended to first set a '30-hour' period to learn new things, and then divide the 30 hours into '7 sessions of 4 hours each (plus a 2-hour buffer).' In fact, the following timetable is given as a concrete example for learning the contents of the ARM architecture.

[Session 1] Information gathering and reading
Read the ARM tutorial (parts 1-7)
Read the Process Memory and Memory Corruption section
Read the slides ' Exploitation on ARM-based Systems ' by Sascha Schirra
If you want to use your own shellcode, also read the Execute Shell , Bind Shell , and Reverse Shell sections.
・Keep the ARM reference manual handy so you can use it whenever you want to look something up.

[Session 2] Building the environment and setting goals
Set up an ARM development environment. The Azeria-Labs Lab VM is already available and can be used conveniently.
・Get familiar with GDB/GEF
Use the remaining time to gather information about common tools like 'objdump' and 'strace' through a Google search.

[Session 3] First Step: Start Simple
Read this getting started guide and start practicing with simple exercises on Stack Overflow . You can also get the source code from exploit-exercises.com and compile it in your local ARM environment.

[Session 4] Repetition
If you have not fully completed the content of Session 3, continue with this session.

[Session 5] Solving ARM challenges
Once you've mastered the Stack Overflow problems, tackle the advanced problems on root-me.org.

[Session 6] Repetitive practice
Continue working on root-me.org

[Session 7] Repetitive practice
Continue working on root-me.org