Learn in Public, It’s Great: Slow-Reading and Creating in Public

Learn in Public, It’s Great: Slow-Reading and Creating in Public

In the world of learning and creating, there are two schools of thought: do in silence and show the end product, or show the process and progress publicly. While both approaches have their merits, there are undeniable benefits to learning in public and embracing slow-reading.

The act of learning in public involves creating accountability, building a feedback loop, seeing your progress, and establishing a community or following. By sharing your process and progress, you hold yourself accountable to your goals and commitments. This accountability can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward and improving.

In addition to accountability, learning in public allows for a feedback loop. By sharing your work with others, you open yourself up to constructive criticism and valuable insights. This feedback can help you refine your ideas, improve your skills, and ultimately grow as a learner or creator.

Another benefit of learning in public is the ability to see your progress. When you share your journey, you can look back and reflect on how far you've come. This not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also serves as a reminder of your growth and potential.

Furthermore, learning in public enables you to establish a community or following. By sharing your work and ideas, you invite others to join you on your learning journey. This sense of community can provide support, encouragement, and valuable connections that can enhance your learning experience.

Additionally, there is a concept of "Future Value" in learning in public. By documenting and sharing your process and progress, you create a record of your growth and achievements. This record not only serves as a personal reference but can also inspire and educate others who come across your work in the future.

In his book "Show Your Work!", Austin Kleon emphasizes the importance of letting go of our egos and sharing our process. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of ongoing connections with people who are interested in our work. This connection can lead to more opportunities and propel us forward in our learning and creative endeavors.

On the other hand, slow-reading is a practice that emphasizes deep learning and comprehension. While speed-reading may be useful for skimming and getting the gist of a text, it falls short when the goal is to acquire knowledge. Research has shown that as reading speed increases, comprehension decreases. Therefore, embracing slow-reading allows for a deeper engagement with the content and the ability to connect new concepts with existing knowledge.

When we engage in slow-reading, we expand our knowledge base. As we encounter experiences and information in the world, our sensory memory receives an overwhelming amount of data. However, this sensory memory has a short half-life and can only store a fraction of the information before it vanishes. Some of this information is passed on to our short-term memory, which is also fleeting.

To truly retain and understand the information we encounter, we must engage in slow-reading. By taking the time to process and comprehend the content, we allow for a deeper understanding and integration of new knowledge into our existing framework.

Incorporating slow-reading into our learning practice enables us to make meaningful connections and expand our intellectual horizons. It allows us to approach texts with an open mind, ready to learn from different perspectives and ideas. By taking notes and actively engaging with the material, we enhance our comprehension and create a more profound learning experience.

In conclusion, learning in public and embracing slow-reading are powerful practices that can enhance our learning and creative endeavors. By sharing our process and progress, we create accountability, receive feedback, and establish a supportive community. Similarly, by engaging in slow-reading, we deepen our comprehension and expand our knowledge base.

To make the most of these practices, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start sharing your work and progress publicly. Embrace vulnerability and let go of your ego. By doing so, you open yourself up to valuable feedback and connections that can propel you forward.

2. Prioritize slow-reading in your learning practice. Take the time to engage with the content, make connections, and actively process the information. This will enhance your comprehension and deepen your understanding.

3. Foster a sense of community and collaboration. Engage with others who share your interests and passions. By learning from and supporting each other, you create a network of like-minded individuals who can inspire and motivate you.

By combining the power of learning in public and embracing slow-reading, you can unlock new levels of growth, understanding, and connection in your learning and creative journey. Remember, it's not just about the end product; it's about the process and progress along the way.