The Ultimate Hack for Learning In Public: Pick Up What They Put Down

The Ultimate Hack for Learning In Public: Pick Up What They Put Down

Introduction:
In this article, we will explore a powerful method for learning in public and accelerating personal growth. By picking up what those we admire put down, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience. Whether it's the maintainers of libraries and languages we use or the creators of YouTube videos, podcasts, books, blog posts, and courses, there is much to learn from their new creations. By actively engaging with their work and sharing our own insights, we create opportunities for valuable feedback and personal growth.

The Power of Learning from Those You Admire:
When we talk about "they," we refer to anyone we look up to, someone who possesses more knowledge or expertise in the area we are trying to learn. These individuals can be the maintainers of libraries and languages we use or the creators of various educational resources. It is crucial to focus on their new releases, as these are at the forefront of their minds and often lack genuine feedback.

The Importance of New Content:
By seeking out new libraries, demos, videos, podcasts, books, blog posts, or courses, we position ourselves to gain fresh insights and knowledge. New releases are more likely to be lacking in feedback, making them prime opportunities for engagement. When we come across a new course, for example, we should make an effort to go through it and highlight the top three things we learned.

The Power of Closing the Loop:
Learning in public goes beyond passively consuming content. It involves actively engaging with the material and sharing our own work based on what we have learned. When we produce anything, such as a blog post or a demo, that is inspired by the work of those we admire, it is crucial to tag or notify the creator on social media. Platforms like Twitter are designed for this purpose, but other avenues like commenting or emailing can also be effective. By doing so, we increase the chances of receiving valuable feedback directly from the creators themselves.

The Role of Feedback in Personal Growth:
Feedback plays a critical role in our personal growth journey. It is through feedback that we learn what we are doing right or wrong, helping us make informed decisions and improve our skills. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of feedback available, making it challenging to gauge our progress. However, when we learn in public and actively engage with the work of those we admire, the chances of receiving feedback increase significantly. Embracing the possibility of being wrong in public becomes a catalyst for personal growth.

The Power of Variable Rewards:
The uncertainty of what feedback we will receive creates a "variable reward" system that motivates and incentivizes us to form new habits. Just like how cats are drawn to catnip, humans are drawn to the unpredictability of rewards. By actively participating in the learning process and putting ourselves out there, we tap into this powerful motivator and increase our chances of forming a sustainable learning habit.

Actionable Advice for Learning in Public:

1. Seek out new releases: Make a conscious effort to stay updated with the latest content from the creators you admire. Engage with their new libraries, demos, videos, podcasts, books, blog posts, and courses to gain fresh insights and expand your knowledge base.

2. Share your work and tag the creators: When you produce something based on what you've learned, whether it's a blog post, a demo, or any other form of content, make sure to tag or notify the creators on social media. This increases the likelihood of receiving valuable feedback directly from them.

3. Embrace being wrong in public: Don't shy away from making mistakes or sharing your work even if it's not perfect. Embracing the possibility of being wrong opens up opportunities for personal growth and learning. Feedback, whether positive or constructive, provides valuable insights that propel us forward.

Conclusion:
Learning in public by picking up what those we admire put down is a powerful hack for personal growth. By actively engaging with new releases and sharing our own work, we create opportunities for valuable feedback and accelerate our learning journey. Embracing the uncertainty and being open to the possibility of being wrong allows us to tap into the human catnip of variable rewards. So go ahead, pick up what they put down and watch your knowledge and skills soar to new heights.