Desirable Difficulties: How Struggling Makes You Smarter

Why the best learning feels hard (and how to make it work for you).

Have you ever felt frustrated when learning something new? Maybe you stumbled through a tricky math problem, or kept making mistakes while learning an instrument. It turns out, that struggle is exactly what your brain needs.

David Epstein’s 'Range' highlights the concept of 'desirable difficulties'—the idea that effortful, challenging learning leads to deeper understanding and better retention. When you’re forced to generate answers, even wrong ones, your brain works harder to encode the information. This is known as the 'generation effect.'



Spacing out your study sessions—rather than cramming—also strengthens memory. This is the 'spacing effect.' While it may feel less efficient, it ensures that knowledge sticks.

Real-world examples abound: musicians who practice with intentional mistakes, athletes who train under varied conditions, and students who test themselves with challenging questions all outperform those who stick to easy, repetitive drills.

So, the next time you feel lost or frustrated, remember: that’s where the magic happens. Struggle is not a sign of failure; it’s a sign that your brain is growing.



For more on the science of learning and how to apply desirable difficulties in your own life, check out: 1 2 4