There are billions of people on the earth, waiting. Just waiting for the “right moment” to start that career, class, write that book, that song. You know, once we have all the details and the path mapped out.

The Power of Starting and Learning as You Go

Sometimes, we might feel scared to start something new because we don't have all the answers or details. But guess what? It's okay to begin even if you don't know everything! When you start a new project or task, you learn a lot along the way. This helps you become better at figuring things out and solving problems. It's like going on an adventure where you discover new things step by step.

When you try new things and learn as you go, your brain gets a good workout. Just like how your muscles get stronger when you exercise, your brain gets stronger when you challenge it with new tasks. This process is called "rewiring the brain." It means your brain makes new connections and gets better at doing hard things. So, even if something seems difficult at first, starting and learning along the way can make it easier over time.

A summary of research that I have seen finds that “when you introduce your brain to something new to learn, it triggers a fascinating process of neural adaptation and growth. Neurons, the brain's fundamental units, communicate through synapses, which are the junctions where they exchange information. As you engage with new information or skills, your brain responds by forming new synaptic connections and strengthening existing ones in a process known as synaptic plasticity. This dynamic rewiring enhances the efficiency of neural networks, making it easier to retrieve and apply the new knowledge. The more you practice and engage with the new material, the more robust these connections become, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a more adaptable brain. This neural flexibility is a cornerstone of learning and memory, underscoring the brain's remarkable capacity to grow and change throughout life.” ¹

Not only does starting and learning help your brain, but it also makes you feel more alive and energetic. When you accomplish something new, it gives you a sense of pride and happiness. This feeling can boost your mood and make you feel healthier. Plus, trying new things can be fun and exciting, which adds more joy to your life. So, don't be afraid to take that first step, even if you don't have all the answers.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and it's okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are just part of the learning process. The important thing is to keep going and not give up. By starting and learning as you go, you'll become better at handling challenges, and you'll feel more confident and happy. So, go ahead and take that first step—you might be surprised at how much you can achieve!

• - Identify the core objective or goal you want to achieve with the new idea.

• - Break down the idea into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones.

• - Start with the resources and information you currently have, and be prepared to adapt as you go.

• - Seek feedback and input from others to refine and improve your approach.

• - Monitor progress regularly and be flexible to make adjustments as needed.

https://www.stricklandhughes.com/uploads/1/2/6/6/126641970/wu_strickland-hughes2019_.pdf

R Wu, C Strickland-Hughes (2019)
Discusses neural pathways and adaptation as mechanisms for growth and learning.