Moving Beyond Metrics: Embrace the Sometimes Messy Journey to Becoming Great
Why Learning in Public, Imperfections and All, Is the Key to Inspiring Others and Making a Lasting Impact
“Learning in public is about being wrong repeatedly and learning from it.”
– Swyx, Learn In Public
Let me ask you something: Do you want to BE good or just let vanity metrics make you LOOK good? I read a blog post by Swyx that really got me thinking about learning in public and why doing so is valuable.
To be good takes action, iteration, practice, and, eventually, excellence.
Looking good is nice, but it is not always real. And, if you wait until you’re perfect to share your magic with the world, you might be waiting forever.
“What matters is not what you know, but how you go about acquiring knowledge and the scale of the impact you have.”
– Swyx, Learn In Public
Let’s be honest: a decade from now, no one will remember how many likes or shares a post received, but they will remember how you inspired, helped, or taught them. The real, positive impact you make has lasting value. Vanity metrics, on the other hand, offer little substance and can distract us from what truly matters. Focus on what leaves a meaningful mark, not just what looks good on the surface.
“The act of learning publicly is a service to others who may be on a similar path.”
– Swyx, Learn In Public
Many of us choose to learn in private. We read, absorb content, and practice quietly, striving for perfection before sharing our work with the world. There are certainly valid reasons to pursue excellence this way…
“Don’t judge your results by ‘claps’ or retweets — just talk to yourself from three months ago.”
– Swyx, Learn In Public
On the other hand, many of us bravely choose to learn in public. We speak at conferences, even when our voices shake. We write blogs for a few dedicated readers, publish newsletters, go live with video tutorials, or share resources freely — knowing they’re not perfect. There are powerful reasons to step into the spotlight, imperfections and all…
What’s one of the most significant differences between these two approaches? When we share ourselves with the world, we can help inspire change and help others grow. We also reveal more of the truth behind the perfectly curated stories, images, and career win updates that get shared online. The authenticity of learning in public can help others better understand the journey to becoming great at something.
Perfection doesn’t exist, and there is no finish line when it comes to learning.
When our love and passion drive us towards improvement, action becomes essential.
The path of progress can be chaotic and messy, but through this journey of continuous learning, our present output should pale compared to our future creations — this is the essence of growth. It’s the essence of iterative learning. And it’s through this process that we can reach excellence.
“If you want to be in the top quintile, have a habit of creating learning exhaust: write blogs, speak at conferences, make videos — whatever helps you teach past you.”
– Swyx, Learn In Public
I’m so inspired by my network’s bold and courageous public learners! Keep going! You’re doing so much more than you know!
The journey to true greatness is not about collecting likes or curating the perfectly polished image — it’s about the continuous, sometimes messy, process of learning and growth.
By embracing the courage to learn in public, you not only accelerate your own development, but you also inspire others along the way. Authenticity, persistence, and a willingness to share your imperfect journey make a lasting impact. Let go of the need for perfection and step boldly into the world — your growth and impact will follow.
🌸 About the Author:
Natalie Ruiz is the CEO of AnswerConnect and often says that her path to success has been unconventional, which fuels her to continue to challenge assumptions about what work, success, and the concept of balance in life look like.
Natalie is an award-winning executive recognized as Female Executive of the Year and for Women Helping Women by the Stevie Award Association and a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal.
Outside of her day job, she volunteers, speaks on international stages, lends her voice and words to podcasts and publications, and seeks to leave people and places better than she finds them in all that she does.
Connect with Natalie here: on Medium, on LinkedIn, and Instagram
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