Imperfect Progress: How Learning New Skills Can Lead to Surprising Growth
Why embracing the messy process is key to mastering anything new
Learning something is intimidating, especially when we expect perfection from the start.
But here’s the truth: Imperfect progress is progress. It’s a lesson I’ve had to embrace as I dive into podcasting, and it’s one that resonates with many creatives and entrepreneurs on their own journeys.
Recently, Adam Helweh, a podcasting veteran, told me, “Imperfect progress is progress. Perfect progress is unrealistic.” It’s simple, but it’s a truth worth repeating. It reminded me of a quote from a character called Jake the Dog on Adventure Time: “Dude, sucking at something is the first step towards sorta being good at something.”
It’s funny, but it’s spot on. Whether you’re a founder, an investor or a new podcaster like me, the early days can be rough. But it’s all part of the process.
Getting Started Means Getting Messy
When I started podcasting earlier this year, I imagined a smooth launch with perfectly polished episodes. What was the reality? Well, it was a lot bumpier. From figuring out tech issues to struggling with sound quality, every recording session brought new challenges. And let’s not even get started on the lighting in my dark home office!
But here’s the thing: early stumbles are necessary. As long as I kept learning and improving, I felt I was on the right track. It’s a process that feels familiar to any founder or creative. It’s not about immediate perfection but about diving in, making mistakes and figuring it out as you go.
Consistency is the Cheat Code
In a recent podcast interview I conducted, I spoke with Marvin Liao, an investor and writer who’s built a following here on Medium. Marvin shared with me what he calls the “rule of five” for creators. He says most people quit after just five newsletters, five blog posts or five podcast episodes. The first five is a critical turning point. If you can push past five and stick with it, that’s when the real growth starts.
Marvin says he didn’t see much traction in his first year, but he kept going because he enjoyed the process. His goal wasn’t immediate success but consistency. Two years in, he’s built an audience and a style he is proud of. It wasn’t about the numbers. It’s about showing up, doing the work and finding his voice.
The Value of Imperfect Progress
Adam Helweh also pointed out that every step we take as creators builds something uniquely ours. In podcasting, as in any creative endeavor, each episode brings me closer to my own voice and style. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s a part of my journey.
By consistently putting myself out there — warts and all — I’m creating a body of work that reflects the process of growth. It’s a foundation that gets stronger with every effort.
Lessons for Creators and Entrepreneurs Alike
Whether you’re launching a startup, writing your first book, or learning a new skill, the journey is long and messy. But consistency is the thread that ties it all together. As Marvin Liao said to me last week, “Give it two years, see how you feel, and then decide whether to stop.”
We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to show up. Imperfect progress is still progress, and over time, it adds up in ways that can surprise us.
Call to Action
So here’s a challenge for all of us: Commit to the long haul. Don’t let a few missteps or a slow start knock us down. Let’s keep showing up, keep creating, and remember that the process is where the magic happens.
If you’ve stuck with a project through the messy beginning stages, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment and let’s share our experiences, because who knows? A year or two from now, we might look back and be amazed at how far we’ve come.
Follow me here on Medium for more stories about the creative process, entrepreneurship, and what I’m learning as a new podcaster. Let’s keep the conversation going!
P.S. And if you enjoyed this post, follow me on Substack, where I share more content about investors and founders and how they work together. You’ll also find my podcasts and exclusive updates there, too.
