Ever toyed with the idea of becoming a hacker? What if I told you that you could start right now, from scratch, and share every step of the journey—mistakes, victories, all of it—out loud and proud?
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Let me peel back the curtain on how learning in public is the ultimate game-changer in mastering new skills.
Fourteen years ago, I joined the USAF with dreams of becoming a hacker. Despite ending up on the blue team, my passion for cracking codes never dimmed. Fast forward to today, and here I am, diving headfirst into C and hacking—with zero coding experience under my belt when I started. Scary, right? But oh, so thrilling!
Why Sharing Your Fumbles and Wins Matters
The secret sauce? The Feynman technique—learn, simplify, and teach. It’s my go-to method, letting me chug along at a snail’s pace but ensuring I wring every drop of knowledge out of the process. And guess what? I jot down every single thingin my second brain. Because when it comes to learning, it’s always better to be accurate than just sound like you know what you’re talking about.
Inspired by this blog, my approach is all about transparency and generosity in sharing knowledge. This article drilled into me the idea that sharing isn’t just caring; it’s a way to enhance your own understanding and help others along the way.
Embrace the Noobiness
Here’s the kicker: being a beginner is your superpower. Sure, I wear my “script kiddie” label like a badge of honor—and turned it into a clothing line to boot! When the trolls come knocking, telling me I suck, I ask them, “Alright, tell me why.” It’s not about feeling good; it’s about getting good. No hurt feelings here—just pure, driven curiosity. (This is easier said than done with the ego)
The Teaching Hack
Did you know that teaching is one of the best ways to learn? Yep, talking through my code not only eases the stress but also boosts my clarity—kind of like turning a high-pressure tech interview into a casual chat about what I love.
Mentor Magic
And here’s a truth bomb: People notice when you’re genuinely trying to learn. They’ll come to your aid without you even asking. Suddenly, you’ve got mentors dropping knowledge quests in your lap. Grab those opportunities! These seasoned pros, busy as they are, will carve out time for you if you’re willing to help them out. It’s like having VIP backstage passes to the best tech concert in town.
Your Beginner’s Mind Is Gold
Why would these tech wizards want to help little old me? Because when I learn, I amplify their knowledge across my network. It’s a win-win. My beginner’s mind sees things differently, shedding new light on old problems, and guess what—people eat that up!
Expert? Who, Me?
Before you know it, folks will start seeing you as an expert (even if you’re still figuring things out). When they come asking for help, give it your best shot. And if you’re stumped? That’s what mentors are for.
Keep the Content Coming
And as you grow, you’ll find yourself solving problems solo more often than not. But the sharing? That never stops. You’re building a repository of your journey, an invaluable resource not just for you but for everyone watching and learning alongside you.
10 Tips for Learning in Public
- Start Small: Begin with manageable chunks of learning. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a huge project. Share your progress in small, digestible pieces.
- Be Transparent: Share both your successes and failures. Authenticity builds trust and shows others that it’s okay to make mistakes.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes, guides, and records. This helps you track your progress and creates resources that you—and others—can refer back to.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and questions. Building a community around your learning process makes it more interactive and rewarding.
- Use Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great for sharing your journey. Use hashtags and join groups related to your field to reach a wider audience.
6. Create Multi-Format Content: Write blog posts, make videos, and create infographics. Different formats appeal to different people and help reinforce your own learning.
7. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for input from others. Constructive criticism can provide new insights and improve your learning process.
8. Be Consistent: Regular updates keep your audience engaged and show your commitment. Even small, frequent posts are better than sporadic, lengthy updates.
9. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your progress and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated and demonstrates tangible progress to your followers.
10. Embrace Being a Beginner: Don’t let the fear of being called a “script kiddie” or any other term hold you back. Own your beginner status and use it as a strength to connect with others starting their journey.
Remember, when one teaches, two learn.
I’m here, fumbling and thriving in the open, so we can all grow together.
Want to make a change?
Start sharing your journey.
Let’s demystify tech, one line of code at a time.
Because if I can do it, seriously, anyone can.
Excellent motivational blog. Appreciated for sharing such thought.
Will look forward to learn more from you.
Thank you! Glad you like the content <3
Thank you for this. I’m still a beginner and seeing how much I have to learn (while there are new things coming out everyday) is making my brain hurt. This made me appreciate the learning process and look forward to it. You are an inspiration to me.
Thanks Aida! It’s just overwhelming in the beginning but you’ll catch on quick!! 💕
i feel that its the best way to learn is to teach, however I find it difficult to find people who want to learn. in this day and age people want to do the minimum and take the money and run. i used to let that get to me, but now im thinking that its their loss. Nice angle, teach the world, learn lots.