“Google your dreams, Google your problems. Don’t ask a question before you Google it.” -Austin Kleon
Adventurous people are those who solve their own problems—and that includes answering their own questions. This is why leading an adventurous life requires solid Googling skills. You should be able to scour the internet to find the answers to basic questions, teach yourself simple skills, and get started on any research project.
First, watch this video overview of basic Google search techniques:
Next—to warm up your search muscles—go to Google a Day and attempt 3+ challenges.
Now, let’s do some serious search challenges, courtesy of Dan Russell’s excellent blog, SearchReSearch.
In each of the following challenges, the answer is typically revealed by other users in the comments (which immediately follow the challenge description). So if you want to truly want to figure these out on your own, don’t read the comments!
#1: What’s on the other side?
Attempt this search challenge about the Hollywood sign. Then read the the author’s solution and try to reproduce his results.
#2: What’s the best bike route?
Attempt this search challenge about the Southwest bike ride. Then read the author’s solution and try to reproduce his results.
#3: Where Am I?
Finally, attempt this (super hard) search challenge. Then read the author’s solution and try to reproduce his results.
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Okay, enough mind-bending for now.
If you like this author’s work, consider also reading his advice on:
- how to quickly learn basic stuff online, e.g. teaching yourself new skills, fixing broken things, making things from scratch, learning to use a new tool or software.
- how to learn quickly using both online and offline sources. It’s good stuff.
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