The Endless Learning Curve: Let this be a lesson to you!
I once owned a car that was a real piece of work. Fixing one problem always seemed to create another. I’d repair the side door, and the rearview mirror would promptly fall off. Get the interior light working, and the stereo would start chewing up my cassette tapes. Keeping it roadworthy felt like a never-ending job.
Turns out, my life as a designer has been much the same. Master one tool, and a new one pops up, demanding a whole new skill set. From Flash to PHP, ActionScript to Director, Sketch to Figma, the list goes on. Every couple of years, my comfort zone crumbles, and I have to start over. The first few times, it was a nightmare. I remember the anxiety of moving from Photoshop to Sketch—“Well, there go 15 years of experience,” I thought.
But over time, these cycles of growth became less terrifying. I learned to predict their arrival, even if I never truly got comfortable with them. It’s not that the challenges got easier (AfterEffects still gives me headaches), but my fear and self-doubt began to fade.
One key realization? Traditional learning methods didn’t work for me. Once I stopped trying to learn like everyone else and found my own way, everything changed. I learn through failure—jumping in headfirst and figuring it out as I go.
So, for all of you ready to dive into something new but scared of failing, this is for you.
Embrace the Unknown
Start by accepting how little you know about your new endeavor. It took me years to realize how rare and valuable new learning opportunities are. I avoided them out of fear of looking foolish. Starting at zero means your knowledge can only go up from there. Ditch any embarrassment and enjoy the ride.
It’s Not a Race
Learning isn’t a competition. You’re not up against anyone else, and there are no medals for speed. Everyone progresses at their own pace. Be honest about what you’re good at and what you’re not. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. I wasted a lot of time trying to fit into learning styles that didn’t suit me. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Celebrate Your Failures
Failure is just another word for discovery. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed a thousand times. I’ve just found a thousand ways that don’t work.” Recognize failure as an opportunity to refine your knowledge. As a designer, some of my best work came from “happy accidents.”
One of our values at Digital Nar is “figure it out.” It means being brave enough to try something new, even if you don’t know how it will turn out. The most rewarding projects are often the scariest ones.
Remember Your Why
I love running. It’s tough, but those moments of bliss keep me going through the hard parts. Learning is the same. Some days are easier than others, but remembering why you started can help push you through the tough times. Learning is a journey with ups and downs. Focus on your goals to stay motivated.
Put in the Time
There are no shortcuts to mastering valuable skills. It takes time and effort. The hardest part is staying motivated. When you hit a wall, look back at how far you’ve come. Sometimes revisiting earlier lessons can jumpstart your brain. Don’t quit—momentum is key. Learning is not a straight line; it’s full of peaks and valleys.
Pay It Forward
Even if you haven’t mastered your current challenge, you know more than you did when you started. Someone else is just beginning their journey. Help them out. Sharing your knowledge can boost your confidence and remind you of how far you’ve come.
Fear is the Real Enemy
Learning today is easier than ever, with limitless resources at your fingertips. But seeing others’ accomplishments can be intimidating. Remember, you’re only seeing their highlights, not their struggles. You can do it too. Growth cycles are inevitable. Life is short—spend it learning, growing, and occasionally scaring yourself. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.
So, the next time you face a new challenge, remember: dive in, embrace the unknown, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this.
