The Blundering Learner: Learning by Doing It Your Own Way
Learning isn’t just about taking in information—it’s about using it.
Learning isn't about waiting until you have the "right" method or the perfect set of instructions—it's about diving in, making mistakes, and discovering the intricacies of what you're trying to master. This might sound intimidating, especially if you already know what challenges lie ahead. Fear of failure can be paralyzing, keeping you from even starting. But what if the key to real learning is embracing that fear and getting started before you even know the so-called "proper" way?
In this article, we’ll explore the power of learning by doing—why taking action before having all the answers can set you free from the fear of failure. You’ll see how the process of figuring things out on your own can help you uncover flaws in traditional methods, lead you to innovative approaches, and even allow others to benefit from what you discover.
More importantly, we’ll discuss how reflecting on your experiences—especially through writing—solidifies your learning, helps you retrieve insights, and shapes your next steps. These processes align with the science of learning, particularly the three essential stages:
Encoding – Transferring new experiences into memory.
Consolidation – Organizing and strengthening those memories by connecting them to what you already know.
Retrieval – Bringing that knowledge to the surface when you need it, allowing you to adapt and apply what you've learned in new situations.
By the end of this, you’ll see why blundering your way through something might just be the most effective way to learn.
Fear of the Small Things in the Big Picture: Why Overthinking Stops You Before You Even Start
We’ve all been there—standing at the edge of something new, feeling paralyzed by the details we don’t yet understand. Whether it’s launching a business, starting a creative project, or picking up a new skill, the fear of not knowing enough can stop us before we even begin. It’s easy to believe that without the "right" knowledge, experience, or preparation, failure is inevitable. But what if the biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of skill, but rather the fear itself?
The Illusion of Readiness
Many people wait until they feel “ready” before taking action. But readiness is often an illusion. No amount of planning will fully prepare you for the real experience of doing. I’ve seen this time and time again with my students. Some refuse to write because they’re afraid of making grammar mistakes. Others hesitate to speak in class, fearing they’ll say something wrong. And some decline opportunities—like joining the World Scholar’s Cup—because they believe they’re not “good enough” at debating or don’t know the structure.
Nobody starts as an expert. The only way to become good at something is to begin, flaws and all.
A Personal Lesson in Learning Through Action
I remember when I first decided to create an online course. I thought that hosting it on my website would be the best way to reach people—I could control everything, build my brand, and avoid the competition on bigger platforms. But when I launched the course, almost no one signed up.
For an entire year, I might have had only five students. At first, it felt like a failure. But as I reflected on the experience, I realized that the problem wasn’t necessarily my content—it was that people look for courses on platforms that already have credibility and built-in communities, like Coursera or Udemy. I had assumed that if I created something great, people would come. But the truth was, I needed to go where learners already were.
If I had waited until I knew everything about online course creation, I probably would have never started. Instead, the experience itself taught me far more than research ever could have. The failure wasn’t wasted—it reshaped how I approached course creation, marketing, and audience building.
The Science of Learning Through Action
Research backs up the idea that action builds learning better than passive preparation. The “illusion of competence” effect, described in Make It Stick by Brown, Roediger, and McDaniel, explains how people often feel like they’re learning when they engage in passive study, but they don’t actually retain or apply the knowledge effectively. Instead, real learning happens when you engage in “desirable difficulties”—challenges that force you to actively retrieve and apply knowledge.
Additionally, research on experiential learning theory (Kolb, 1984) emphasizes that learning is a cycle that involves experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. Simply put, you learn best by doing, analyzing your mistakes, and adjusting your approach.
Overcoming Fear Through Doing
Instead of obsessing over every small detail, try this:
Take one immediate action – Write the first paragraph. Sign up for the competition. Make the first move.
Embrace imperfection – Expect to make mistakes, and view them as part of the learning process.
Reflect, adjust, and keep going – The best way to learn is to do, reflect, and refine as you go.
The big picture only becomes clear once you start moving. If you’re waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect skill set, or the perfect understanding before starting, you’ll be waiting forever. The best way to learn is by doing, and the sooner you start, the faster you’ll realize that you were capable all along.
Just Start: Learning Before You Know "The Right Way"
Have you ever hesitated to start something just because you didn’t know exactly how to do it? Maybe you’ve seen others do it in a video, read about it in a book, or watched someone demonstrate it on TV. You might have a rough idea of how it works, but since you don’t know the proper way, you hold yourself back.
You don’t need to know the “right” way before you start. In fact, getting started with only a vague understanding can sometimes be an advantage. When you figure things out for yourself, you not only break down the fear of the unknown but also open up new possibilities—perhaps even a better way of doing things.
When Doing It Your Way Leads to Discovery
Some of the greatest innovations came from people who didn't follow conventional methods.
The Wright brothers had no formal engineering education, yet they revolutionized flight. They experimented with different wing structures, ignoring many of the so-called "best practices" of the time.
Dyson vacuums were created by James Dyson, who wasn’t a vacuum engineer but an inventor who kept testing designs until he found a completely new method of suction.
YouTube creators & entrepreneurs often start with no formal training, yet they carve out their own niche by learning as they go.
These people didn’t wait until they knew everything—they experimented, failed, and iterated.
A Personal Experience: Jumping In Before Knowing the “Right” Way
I first started writing online content in 2015. I understood how people learned, had read extensively on the topic, and had even earned my Master of Education by 2023. Now, I already have 14 years of experience teaching English Language Arts and studying about the Science of Reading and Learning. But in 2015, when it came to marketing my work, creating online courses, or making YouTube videos, I had had no formal training.
Still, I just started.
I launched a website, wrote articles, filmed videos, and put my ideas out there—even though I didn’t fully know what I was doing. I had this vague notion that if I created valuable content, people would automatically find it. But the reality was different. The first few years were slow. My articles got little traction. My videos barely had views. I had no idea how to get people to notice my work.
At that point, many people would have quit. But instead, I saw this as part of the learning process. Instead of waiting to "get it right," I studied what successful content creators were doing. I observed trends, analyzed what worked, and refined my strategy. I started experimenting with different approaches—playing with video styles, testing article formats, engaging more with my audience, and understanding how social media algorithms worked.
Some things flopped. Some things unexpectedly took off. But the key was I kept going.
Over time, I started to see growth. My content resonated with more people and I gained traction across platforms. I saw patterns in what people found valuable and what they ignored. I learned through action, not just theory.
Now, a decade later, I’ve grown my following to over 25,000 people across YouTube, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and other platforms. But if I had waited until I "knew everything" before starting, I would probably still be stuck at the beginning, hesitating to take that first step.
The biggest lesson?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Just start. Take action, learn from the process, and adjust along the way. No amount of preparation can replace the lessons you’ll learn by actually doing the work.
Trial-and-Error Learning: Backed by Research
Science supports this approach to learning:
The "Desirable Difficulties" Effect (Bjork, 1994) – Learning is more effective when it involves challenges. Jumping in before you fully understand something forces your brain to make connections and problem-solve in real time.
The Innovator’s DNA (Dyer, Gregersen, & Christensen, 2011) – Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and inventors share one thing in common: they experiment. They don’t just accept the status quo; they try things their way.
Cognitive Flexibility Theory (Spiro, Feltovich, & Coulson, 1991) – People learn best when they engage in multiple perspectives and try different approaches instead of following a rigid method.
Try First, Then Improve
So how do you apply this?
Just start – Don’t wait until you have all the details figured out. Get moving.
Experiment – See what works, what doesn’t, and how you naturally approach the task.
Stay open to improvement – Your way may be different. It may be better. It may just be your way. But always remain open to refining it.
Share your findings – If you discover a different approach, share it! Even if it’s not the best way, it might resonate with others who think like you.
The key is to take action first. The method will come later, but momentum starts now.
The Power of Experimentation: Innovation Through Doing It Your Way
One of the greatest drivers of innovation is experimentation. Many of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions and discoveries came from people going against the norm—choosing to do things their own way rather than following traditional methods. If they had simply copied what had been done before, they never would have pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
Take Thomas Edison, for example. When inventing the light bulb, he famously said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He didn’t follow a set formula or wait until he had the “right” method—he experimented relentlessly, learning from each failure until he finally succeeded.
The same can be said for Elon Musk and his ventures with Tesla and SpaceX. Before Musk, the idea of reusable rockets was considered impractical, yet through continuous trial and error—often publicly failing—he revolutionized space travel. Had he followed conventional wisdom, SpaceX might never have challenged NASA or disrupted the aerospace industry.
Even in the world of technology, Steve Jobs built Apple by rejecting the standard approach to computers. Instead of following the corporate mindset of IBM, he focused on intuitive design and user experience, ultimately creating some of the most revolutionary consumer products of our time.
Experimentation in My Own Work
Throughout my 14 years of teaching English Language Arts and ESL, my approach has continuously evolved. Early in my career, I relied on traditional teaching methods, but as I pursued my Master’s degree and deepened my understanding of the science of reading and learning, I began to experiment more intentionally in the classroom.
Rather than strictly adhering to a single method, I tested different instructional strategies to see how they impacted student engagement and comprehension. I incorporated active learning techniques, varied assessment methods, and adapted my teaching based on individual student needs. Some approaches worked exceptionally well, while others needed refinement.
Through this process of experimentation and reflection, I developed a more effective, student-centered teaching style. I learned that successful teaching isn’t about following a rigid formula—it’s about continually adjusting and improving based on real-world results. Even after years of experience and extensive research, I still recognize that there is always room to grow, and I remain committed to refining my craft to better support my students.
The Research Behind Experimentation and Innovation
Science backs this up. Studies on creativity and innovation have shown that the most successful breakthroughs don’t come from rigidly following existing methods but rather from trial, error, and adaptation.
Research from Northwestern University found that successful innovators tend to balance exploration (trying new ideas) with exploitation (refining proven methods). In other words, they experiment until they find what works, and then they build on it.
The “Fail Fast, Learn Fast” approach used in Silicon Valley encourages rapid experimentation and iteration—because each failure brings valuable insights that lead to better solutions.
Carol Dweck’s research on the Growth Mindset shows that people who embrace challenges and persist through trial and error are far more likely to achieve mastery than those who fear failure and stick to “safe” methods.
How You Can Apply This to Your Own Learning
The lesson here is simple: Experiment boldly.
If you’re learning a new skill, don’t wait until you have all the information—just start. If you’re working on a project, try different approaches and see what works best for you. If you’re building a business, don’t be afraid to take unconventional paths.
The most innovative people in history weren’t afraid to break the mold. They experimented, learned from their mistakes, and ultimately changed the world. You can do the same.
The Power of Writing: Reflecting on Experience and Refining Your Path
Once you’ve gone through experimentation and tried things your own way, the next critical step is writing about your experience. Writing isn’t just about recording what happened—it’s about retrieving, reflecting, and refining.
By writing, you:
Retrieve what you learned. Recalling the steps you took solidifies them in your memory.
Analyze your actions. You can see what worked, what didn’t, and what needs improvement.
Add new insights. You generate fresh ideas by thinking about your experience from a different perspective.
Plan your next steps. Writing helps you connect the dots, filling in gaps and deciding how to move forward.
The Science of Writing and Learning
Research in cognitive science supports the idea that writing improves learning and problem-solving.
The Generation Effect: Studies show that when we actively recall and put information into our own words, we remember it better. Writing forces you to engage with your experiences deeply.
Reflection Enhances Growth: A Harvard Business School study found that people who reflect on their experiences improve their performance by 23% compared to those who don’t.
Writing as a Tool for Clarity: Research by James Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas, shows that writing about experiences leads to greater mental clarity and problem-solving abilities.
How Successful People Use Writing for Growth
Many great thinkers and innovators have used writing as a tool for reflection and improvement:
Leonardo da Vinci kept extensive notebooks where he documented his observations, experiments, and ideas. His habit of writing helped him refine his inventions and artistic techniques.
Benjamin Franklin kept a journal where he tracked his daily habits and reflected on how he could improve.
Richard Feynman, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, used writing to simplify complex ideas and refine his understanding of physics. This technique, now known as the Feynman Method, helps people break down and master difficult concepts.
Matt Hutson (Me!) integrates writing into his daily routine, using it not only for clarity but also as a way to generate ideas and self-reflect. In a recent video, he shared how he uses ChatGPT as a writing buddy, counselor, and idea generator, engaging in a back-and-forth dialogue to refine his thoughts. This method allows him to explore his ideas more deeply, reflect on his emotions, and develop clear action steps for improvement.
Here’s a clip from my video on using ChatGPT as a writing and thinking buddy.
By engaging in writing—whether in notebooks, journals, or even conversations with AI—you externalize your thoughts, challenge your assumptions, and create a roadmap for growth. The act of writing doesn’t just capture ideas; it enhances them through structured reflection and dialogue.
Applying This to Your Own Learning
If you’ve just finished a project, learned a new skill, or attempted something new:
Write down what you did—step by step.
Reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
Think about improvements. How can you refine your approach next time?
Set a plan for your next steps.
How AI-Assisted Writing Enhances Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
One of the most effective ways to develop your critical thinking and decision-making skills is through deep reflection—and AI-assisted writing can take this to the next level.
Instead of simply writing down your thoughts and moving on, use ChatGPT as an interactive coach to challenge your thinking, uncover patterns, and refine your approach. Here’s how to get the most out of your coaching session:
1. Set a Clear Intention for Your Session
Before starting your session, decide on a focus. Are you reflecting on a past experience, brainstorming a new project, or troubleshooting a challenge? Clarifying your goal helps you ask better questions and get more useful insights.
2. Engage in a Dialogue, Not Just a Monologue
Rather than just writing your thoughts in a journal, let ChatGPT challenge and expand your thinking. Ask it to:
Identify patterns in your successes or mistakes.
Challenge your assumptions and point out blind spots.
Help you break down a complex problem into actionable steps.
3. Use AI-Generated Prompts to Dig Deeper
If you’re unsure how to analyze a situation, ask ChatGPT to provide thought-provoking questions, such as:
What were the biggest challenges, and how did I handle them?
What would I do differently next time?
How can I apply these lessons to future situations?
This interactive process forces you to think more critically and uncover insights that you might have overlooked on your own.
4. Apply What You’ve Learned
Writing and reflection are only valuable if they lead to action. After your session, summarize your key takeaways and turn them into a simple action plan. Even small improvements—like adjusting your workflow, shifting your mindset, or testing a new approach—can lead to significant growth over time.
5. Make It a Habit
The more you engage in AI-assisted reflection, the better your critical thinking, self-awareness, and decision-making skills will become. Set aside time regularly—whether daily, weekly, or after major projects—to have a structured conversation with ChatGPT.
By approaching ChatGPT as a coach rather than just a tool, you create a powerful system for learning, improving, and turning insights into action.
Conclusion: The Three-Step Learning Process in Action
Throughout this article, I’ve shared how taking action before feeling ready, experimenting with your own methods, reflecting on progress, and using AI to enhance critical thinking can transform the way you learn and grow. These steps all tie into the three-step learning process: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval—the foundation of turning new experiences into lasting knowledge and meaningful action.
1. Encoding: Learning Through Action and Experimentation
When I first started creating content in 2015, I didn’t fully understand how to market effectively, create courses, or structure engaging videos. But instead of waiting until I had it all figured out, I just started. Over time, by experimenting and observing what resonated with my audience, I learned what worked and what didn’t.
This is the essence of encoding—capturing new experiences in your short-term memory. You can’t consolidate or apply knowledge if you never begin. If you’re waiting for the perfect time or the perfect plan, you’ll never make progress. Instead, jump in, experiment, and learn as you go.
This isn’t just my experience—it’s how some of the world’s biggest innovations happen. Many breakthroughs have come from people who ignored conventional wisdom and tried things in their own way. If they had followed the “right” way of doing things, they would have never discovered something new. Innovation comes from action, not hesitation.
2. Consolidation: Organizing Knowledge and Making Meaningful Connections
Once I started creating content, I realized that the real learning happened when I reflected on my progress. I paid attention to analytics, audience feedback, and what felt most natural for me. As I made adjustments, I saw my content improve—and so did my audience growth.
This process of analyzing what works, identifying patterns, and refining your approach is called consolidation. It’s how your brain organizes and strengthens knowledge, making meaningful connections between new and existing experiences. Writing plays a crucial role in this.
One of the best ways I consolidate my learning is through writing—whether it’s journaling, planning my next steps, or using AI tools like ChatGPT to challenge my thinking. When I write about what I’ve learned, I can see gaps, refine my ideas, and explore different perspectives.
Research backs this up. Studies in cognitive psychology show that elaborative rehearsal—thinking deeply about what you’ve learned and linking it to prior knowledge—makes learning more durable and applicable. Writing isn’t just about recording information; it’s a tool to help you process and refine your understanding.
3. Retrieval: Applying Knowledge and Adapting to New Situations
Learning isn’t just about taking in information—it’s about using it.
Retrieval happens when you recall past experiences and apply them to new situations. This is why reviewing your progress, revisiting what you’ve learned, and actively testing yourself strengthens your ability to make better decisions in the future.
For me, AI-assisted writing has been an incredibly powerful tool for retrieval. I don’t just reflect on my ideas—I engage with them in conversation. I use AI to ask myself better questions, refine my plans, and challenge my assumptions. By bouncing ideas off ChatGPT, I’m able to think more critically, plan more effectively, and make better decisions.
This process is supported by research on the testing effect, which shows that actively retrieving information strengthens long-term memory and improves problem-solving. The more you engage with what you’ve learned, the more adaptable and effective you become.
Tying It All Together
Each of these steps—encoding, consolidation, and retrieval—is essential to learning and growth.
Taking action and experimenting (encoding) gives you the raw experiences needed to learn.
Reflecting, analyzing, and refining (consolidation) helps you make sense of those experiences and organize them into meaningful knowledge.
Applying what you’ve learned (retrieval) ensures that your knowledge is useful, adaptable, and continuously improving.
So, if you take one thing away from this, it’s this:
Don’t wait. Start. Experiment. Reflect. Write. Apply.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. The most effective way to learn is to jump in, observe, reflect, and iterate. This is how you build expertise, develop skills, and ultimately, create something valuable—whether it’s for yourself, your career, or the people you want to help.
By embracing this process, you’ll not only learn faster but also better. And over time, you’ll be amazed at just how much you’re capable of.