Learn in Public, It’s Great: Building Accountability and Establishing a Community

Learn in Public, It’s Great: Building Accountability and Establishing a Community

In the world of learning, hustling, and creating, there are different schools of thought. Some believe in doing things in silence and only showing the end product, while others advocate for showing the process and progress publicly. The latter approach, often referred to as "learning in public," has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason.

One of the key benefits of learning in public is the accountability it creates. When you make your learning journey public, you are more likely to stay committed and consistent. This is because you have an audience that is following your progress and expecting updates. It's human nature to want to avoid embarrassment or disappointment, so the knowledge that others are watching can motivate you to keep going.

Another advantage of learning in public is the opportunity to build a feedback loop. By sharing your work and progress with others, you invite feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you improve and refine your skills. It's like having a team of mentors and coaches guiding you along the way.

Learning in public also allows you to see your progress more clearly. When you document and share your journey, you can look back and see how far you've come. This can be incredibly motivating and inspiring, especially during times when you feel stuck or discouraged. It serves as a reminder that every small step forward counts and that progress is not always linear.

Additionally, learning in public helps you establish a community or following. By sharing your process and insights, you attract like-minded individuals who resonate with your work. This community can provide support, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. It's a network of people who share your interests and can help you grow both personally and professionally.

Austin Kleon, in his book "Show Your Work!," emphasizes the importance of letting go of our egos and sharing our process. He believes that by doing so, we allow for the possibility of people having an ongoing connection with us and our work, which ultimately helps us move forward.

Visibility is leverage in today's digital age. When you learn in public, you create a digital footprint that showcases your skills, knowledge, and interests. This can be a powerful tool in building your personal brand and attracting opportunities. A simple Google search of your name can reveal more about you than a traditional resume ever could.

One example of a tool that can aid in learning in public is Glasp. Glasp is a free web app that allows you to highlight pages, save your highlights, and share them with a community of people in tech. It's a great way to engage with others and learn from their insights. This type of platform can be a valuable resource for expanding your knowledge and connecting with like-minded individuals.

In my own experience, starting a newsletter has been a great way to learn in public. Not only does it hold me accountable to consistently produce content, but it has also allowed me to connect with supportive and like-minded peers. The ability to share my thoughts, ideas, and progress has been incredibly rewarding.

If you're interested in learning in public and leveraging it to your advantage, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start a blog or newsletter: Find a platform that allows you to easily share your thoughts, progress, and insights. Consistently produce content and engage with your audience to build a community around your work.

2. Seek feedback and constructive criticism: Don't be afraid to share your work and invite others to provide feedback. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others and improve your skills.

3. Engage with existing communities: Explore platforms like Glasp or other online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Contribute to discussions, share your insights, and learn from others.

In conclusion, learning in public is a powerful approach to personal and professional growth. It builds accountability, establishes a community, and allows for continuous feedback and improvement. By embracing this mindset and leveraging the tools and platforms available, you can accelerate your learning journey and achieve your goals. So go ahead, step onto the centre stage and share your work with the world.