Learn in Public, It’s Great: Combining the Power of Showing Your Work and Prioritizing the Big Rocks

Learn in Public, It’s Great: Combining the Power of Showing Your Work and Prioritizing the Big Rocks

In the world of learning, hustling, and creating, there seems to be a dichotomy in schools of thought. Some advocate for doing in silence, only showing the end product to the world. On the other hand, there are those who believe in showing the process and progress publicly. In this article, we will explore the idea of learning in public and how it can be a game-changer in your journey towards growth and success.

One of the main benefits of learning in public is the accountability it creates. When you make your goals and progress public, you are more likely to follow through because you know that others are watching. This external pressure can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward and stay committed to your learning journey.

Additionally, learning in public allows you to build a feedback loop. By sharing your work and inviting others to provide feedback, you gain valuable insights and perspectives that can help you improve. This feedback loop not only accelerates your learning but also helps you refine your skills and knowledge based on real-world input.

Moreover, learning in public offers you the opportunity to see your progress. When you document and share your journey, you can look back and review how far you've come. This reflection not only boosts your confidence but also helps you identify areas where you can further improve. It's like a personal time capsule that captures your growth and development.

Another significant advantage of learning in public is the establishment of a community or following. By sharing your process and progress, you allow people to connect with you and your work on a deeper level. This connection can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and even future job prospects. It's about creating a network of like-minded individuals who can support and inspire each other.

Furthermore, learning in public has a concept called "Future Value." When you document your journey, you create a repository of knowledge and experiences that can be beneficial not only to yourself but also to others. Your work becomes a resource for others who are on a similar learning path, and it contributes to the collective wisdom of the community.

As Austin Kleon, the author of "Show Your Work!" aptly puts it, "By letting go of our egos and sharing our process, we allow for the possibility of people having an ongoing connection with us and our work, which helps us move more."

Now, let's connect the idea of learning in public with the concept of prioritizing the big rocks in life. In Dr. Stephen R. Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," he introduces the concept of the "Big Rocks." These are the most important things in our lives, such as our projects, relationships, faith, education, and finances.

Covey emphasizes that if we don't put the big rocks in first, we will never have enough time for them. This notion resonates with the idea of learning in public. When we prioritize our big rocks and make them a public commitment, we are more likely to dedicate the necessary time and effort to them. By doing so, we ensure that these important aspects of our lives receive the attention they deserve.

In his famous essay, "You and Your Research," Richard Hamming also touches upon the importance of prioritizing the big rocks. He highlights the significance of focusing on important, long-term goals rather than getting caught up in the trivialities of everyday tasks. By concentrating on the big rocks, we can make meaningful progress and leave a lasting impact.

So, how can we incorporate these ideas into our lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start by identifying your big rocks. What are the most important things in your life that you want to prioritize? Write them down and make a commitment to allocate time and effort to them regularly.

2. Embrace the idea of learning in public. Share your process, progress, and learnings with others. Seek feedback, build a community, and contribute to the collective knowledge.

3. Continuously review and reflect on your journey. Look back on how far you've come, celebrate your achievements, and identify areas for improvement. Use your past experiences as stepping stones for future growth.

In conclusion, learning in public and prioritizing the big rocks in life are two powerful concepts that, when combined, can fuel your personal and professional growth. By sharing your work, seeking feedback, and creating accountability, you can accelerate your learning journey. Additionally, by prioritizing the most important aspects of your life and making them public commitments, you ensure that they receive the attention they deserve. So, embrace the power of learning in public, put your big rocks first, and watch yourself soar to new heights of success.