Learn in Public, It’s Great: How Sharing Your Process and Progress Can Lead to Success in Learning, Hustling, and Creating

Learn in Public, It’s Great: How Sharing Your Process and Progress Can Lead to Success in Learning, Hustling, and Creating

In the world of learning, hustling, and creating, there is a debate on whether to do things in silence or to show the process and progress publicly. While some believe in keeping things private and only showcasing the end product, others advocate for sharing the journey with the public. In recent years, the concept of "learning in public" has gained popularity, and many have found it to be a beneficial approach. Let's explore why learning in public can be great and how it can lead to success.

One of the main benefits of learning in public is the sense of accountability it creates. When you make your learning journey public, you are putting yourself out there and making a commitment to follow through. This accountability can push you to stay focused and motivated, as you know that others are watching and expecting results. It becomes harder to give up or procrastinate when you have an audience holding you accountable.

Another advantage of learning in public is the feedback loop it creates. By sharing your process and progress with others, you open yourself up to receiving feedback and insights from a wider community. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you improve and grow. It provides you with different perspectives and ideas that you may not have considered on your own. Additionally, the feedback loop helps you identify areas where you can make adjustments or course corrections, leading to better outcomes.

Learning in public also allows you to see your progress over time. When you document and share your journey, you can look back and review what you have accomplished. This reflection not only provides a sense of achievement but also helps you identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. It allows you to track your growth and celebrate milestones along the way. Moreover, reviewing your progress can be motivating and inspiring, as you see how far you have come from where you started.

Furthermore, learning in public helps you establish a community and build a following. By sharing your process and progress, you invite others to join you on your learning journey. People who resonate with your work and ideas may become your supporters, collaborators, or mentors. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Moreover, by building a community around your work, you create future value. Your shared knowledge and experiences can be a resource for others who are on a similar path. It becomes a win-win situation, as you not only benefit from the community but also contribute to it.

Austin Kleon, in his book "Show Your Work!", 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.

In a different context, new data has shed light on the behavior of mobile app users and the importance of user retention. According to Quettra's research, the average app loses a significant percentage of its daily active users (DAUs) within the first few days, weeks, and months after installation. On average, an app loses 77% of its DAUs within the first 3 days, 90% within 30 days, and over 95% within 90 days. These numbers are both surprising and alarming.

The key to success lies in activating users within the crucial first 3-7 days. How the product is described, the onboarding flow, and the triggers set up to drive ongoing retention play a significant role. The best apps are immediately useful to users, leading to repeated usage in the first week. However, the drop-off rate is similar to that of average apps. Therefore, bending the retention curve requires focusing on activation rather than resorting to spam-like notification tactics.

Sending a barrage of spammy email notifications with subject lines like "We Miss You" is unlikely to significantly impact user retention. Instead, the goal should be to target the first few days of usage and make the initial visit valuable and engaging. A well-designed onboarding flow and clear product description can make a world of difference in retaining users.

In conclusion, learning in public and focusing on user retention share some common points. Both emphasize the importance of sharing and engaging with the audience. When it comes to learning, hustling, or creating, showcasing your process and progress can create a sense of accountability, foster a feedback loop, help you see your progress, and establish a community/following. Similarly, in the world of mobile apps, activating users within the first few days is crucial for retention and success.

To apply these principles in your own journey or app development, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace vulnerability and share your process and progress publicly. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the benefits of accountability, feedback, and community far outweigh any initial discomfort.

• 2. Focus on creating value in the early stages. Whether it's through an engaging onboarding flow or a clear product description, make sure that users find immediate value in what you offer. This will increase the chances of retaining them in the long run.

• 3. Continuously evaluate and adjust based on feedback and data. Keep an eye on your progress, listen to your audience, and be willing to make necessary changes. Learning and improving are ongoing processes, and being open to adaptation is key to long-term success.

By learning in public and prioritizing user activation and retention, you can set yourself up for success in various endeavors. So, don't be afraid to share your journey and create in public. You never know who might be inspired or benefit from your process and progress.