Time-locking means that progression is based on time. After joining, there are two time locks on lesson progression.
Stage 5 is locked until 14 days after completing stage 1.
Stage 7 is locked until 14 days after completing stage 5.
Stage 10 is locked until 21 days after completing stage 8.
This means all content can be unlocked and accessed within 49 days at the fastest (or about 3 to 4 months at a more realistic but still rapid rate of progression).
Why are lessons time-locked?
Time-locking is a universally standard practice in advanced skill-training programs, including University, professional development courses, and competence-based training worldwide.
Time locking is not standard in low-level content-only courses, as there is no need to develop skills in content-only courses.
However, we know that time locks can feel restrictive, especially when you’re motivated to move fast. But after working with thousands of learners and studying long-term outcomes, we’ve learned that rushing is the single greatest obstacle to genuine skill development.
Learning to learn is about rewiring your brain and replacing old habits. That process takes time, and even highly competent learners sabotage their results by moving too quickly.
⚠️ In our first year of evaluation, we found that 98% of learners who failed to meet the expected skill development using our program had progressed much faster than our recommended pace.
Time locks are fundamentally about preventing a rushed experience that leads to poor outcomes.
Our time locks are extremely generous
Our lock timing represents the minimum time required for practice and consolidation, reflecting the fastest possible pace at which an elite, experienced learner can form new habits.
Progressing at our time-locked speed is actually faster than any successful learner we have ever recorded among the 30,000+ learners who have used our program.
In other words, we have never had a learner progress faster than this pace who had a successful experience.
The current time locks are based on a pace three times faster than what we optimally recommend in the program. Our optimal recommendation is based on the upper quartile of time spent by our successful learners.
Learning from our feedback
We recognise that time-locking (while a standard practice) can cause dissatisfaction in some learners.
⚠️ We have reviewed complaints and instances of dissatisfaction carefully to use this feedback to improve our customer success and user experience. What we discovered was that for almost every learner who was unhappy about time locks, they also showed substantially sub-standard skill development (often combined with skipping steps and ignoring recommendations), which confirmed the need for time locks in the first place.
👉 However, we have learned that those who want to rush cannot realistically be stopped without causing reputational damage to our program.
Therefore, we now focus on making it clear before someone joins that learning to learn (and our program) is not something that can be crammed and rushed. We continually make efforts to set clear expectations up front to prevent those looking for a quick solution from joining in the first place.
Removing time locks in the future
Since launching, we’ve made many updates to the way content is structured. As a result, we’ve already reduced several time lock durations. And in the future, we plan to remove them altogether.
👉 We’re currently developing AI-powered smart checkpoints, quizzes, and tools to help you self-assess your progress. Once these systems are accurate enough, time locks will no longer be necessary.
Summary
Time locks prevent rushing, which is the biggest cause of failure in this program.
They reflect a pace that is three times faster than recommended
We are now focusing on preventing those who want to rush from joining, instead of deterring them after purchase.
We’re working towards a future where intelligent progress checks can replace time locks entirely.
If you’re ever unsure about your pace, our team is here to support you. Our goal isn’t just for you to click some buttons and tick off lessons as complete. Rather, we want you to develop real skills that produce a lasting impact in your life.