You’ve done the hard part. You’ve given yourself permission to be a beginner and you’ve started creating in your own "safe space".
But now you face a new kind of fear. The moment your mouse hovers over the "share", "post", or "publish" button. Your stomach tightens. All those old worries about looking stupid come rushing back.
Why? Because we believe the number one myth about sharing our work.
The Myth We All Believe
The myth is this: Learning in public is for experts showing off what they already know.
We see polished work on social media and think we need to reach that same level of perfection before we can share anything. This belief turns learning into a high-pressure performance and keeps us hiding in the shadows until we feel we're "good enough". Which, of course, is a day that never comes.
This is what keeps us trapped. But the truth is, this idea is completely wrong.
The Reality: It's a Tool for Learning Faster
Learning in public is not about performance; it's about process.
Here's the real definition: Learning in public is simply sharing what you're learning, as you learn it, to help you learn it better.
It's a tool for beginners who want to accelerate their growth, not for experts who want to brag. It’s about turning your learning journey into a conversation, and it’s one of the most effective ways to get better, faster.
The Real Benefits (Why It Actually Works)
It Forces You to Be Clear. You can't explain something, even in a short post, until you truly understand it yourself. The simple act of writing down "Today I learned how to do X" forces you to clarify your thinking and solidifies the new knowledge in your mind.
It Creates a Feedback Engine. When you're stuck, sharing your problem is the fastest way to get it solved. You get ideas, corrections, and encouragement from others that you would never have found on your own.
It Builds Accountability. Knowing you're going to post a small update, even to a small group, keeps you moving forward. It creates a gentle pressure that helps you show up, even on days when you don't feel motivated.
How to Start (Low-Stakes, Practical Steps)
This doesn't have to be scary. Here’s how to start in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Share Your Process, Not Your Product. Don't wait until you have a finished thing to share. Instead, share a question you have ("How do I do this one specific thing?"), a bug you're stuck on, or one small "today I learned" insight.
Choose Your "Public". "Public" doesn't have to mean the whole internet. Your public can be a group chat with a few trusted friends. It can be a private Slack channel. It can be just one mentor you email once a week. The goal is to get feedback, not to go viral.
Ask for Specific Help. Don't just post your work and say, "What do you think?". That's too vague. Ask a direct question like, "Does this explanation make sense?" or "Can anyone see a better way to do this one part?". This invites helpful responses, not just opinions.
Be a Student, Not an Expert
Learning in public isn't about pretending to be an expert. It's about having the courage to be a student who is open to help.
It’s one of the most powerful ways to get feedback, stay motivated, and accelerate your journey up the "Creation Spiral". You don't have to be good to start, but you have to start to be good.
What’s your take on today’s topic? Did I miss something, did something resonate?
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