Learn in Public, It’s Great

Learn in Public, It’s Great

There’s a dichotomy in schools of thought when it comes to learning, hustling, or creating: Do in silence, show the end product. Show the process, progress publicly. Let's show your process, progress! The main benefits I’ve found include creating accountability, building a feedback loop, seeing your progress, and establishing a community/following. I would add "Future Value" to this list. You can search and review what you have done later. It's not only for you but also for other people.

In Austin Kleon's book, "Show Your Work!", he emphasizes the importance of letting go of our egos and sharing our process. 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. The notion here is that in order to progress, we must first launch ourselves on the centre stage, the public domain. We need to create, create today, and create in public. As journalist David Carr said, "You have to make stuff. No one is going to give a damn about your résumé; they want to see what you have made with your own little fingers."

Another perspective on the value of public creation comes from Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook. In a speech at BYU, he spoke about how Facebook is as much psychology and sociology as it is technology. He emphasized that all the problems we face, both online and in the real world, are fundamentally human problems. What people are truly interested in is what's going on with the people they care about. Zuckerberg believes that by giving people the tools and controls to comfortably share the information they want, we can create a valuable service that fosters understanding and empathy. This guiding principle is what keeps him going on hard days.

When we combine these two ideas, we can see a common thread: the power of connecting with others through our work. By learning in public and sharing our process, we not only hold ourselves accountable but also invite others to be part of our journey. We tap into the psychology and sociology behind our creations, understanding that it's not just about the end product but also the human connection it fosters.

So how can we apply these insights in our own lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace vulnerability: It can be scary to put ourselves out there and share our work in progress, but vulnerability is where growth happens. Embrace the discomfort and allow yourself to be seen. You never know who might resonate with your journey and offer valuable insights or support.

2. Build a community: Seek out like-minded individuals who share your interests or goals. Engage with them, collaborate, and learn from each other. Building a community not only provides support and encouragement but also expands your network and exposes you to different perspectives.

3. Focus on the human connection: Remember that your work is not just about the end product or the technology behind it. It's about the people and the impact it can have on their lives. Keep this in mind as you create and share, and strive to create a valuable service that fosters understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, learning in public is a powerful way to grow and connect with others. By sharing our process, progress, and vulnerabilities, we invite others to be part of our journey and tap into the psychology and sociology behind our creations. Embrace vulnerability, build a community, and focus on the human connection as you create and share your work. Remember, it's not just about what you make, but also about the impact it can have on others. So go out there, learn in public, and create something amazing!