Most beginners waste 6-18 months learning tools they don’t need, chasing hype they don’t understand, and avoiding the fundamentals that actually launch careers.
I’m not in tech but this still hit home. In music we do the same thing. We chase new plug-ins, presets and gear when the real magic is always in the fundamentals: groove, emotion, melody. This issue reminded me to stop getting distracted by the shiny stuff and go deeper with what actually matters. One lane, one set of tools, real focus. That’s where the breakthroughs happen. Would like for you to dive deeper into music in your next newsletter. Thank you Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
Mmmh, powerful parallels you drew here, Brooke. So far we have two for literature and two for music (Brian DM’d me his vote). I suppose I’ll have to be the tie breaker, and I’m leaning more music. You are most welcome Brooke! 🤩🙌🏾
I’ve spent years trying to do it all and getting nowhere. It’s a relief to hear someone say you don’t have to know everything at once. Whether it’s tech, music, writing or even fitness, narrowing your focus and mastering the basics first is what creates momentum and confidence. This is a great introduction for starting in tech and valuable insights for anyone wanting to learn something new as we head into 2026. Thank you Idris for the insightful content and Happy Friday to you!
As a writer, this whole “one thing at a time” idea speaks to me. I used to bounce between five craft books, three story ideas and a full-blown existential crisis about my voice… all before lunch! But focusing on the fundamentals like sentence rhythm, emotional clarity and the stories that won’t leave me alone has done WAY more for my growth than chasing every shiny new technique. Sometimes the simplest stack really is the one that unlocks everything. Interesting tech issue Idris Elijah and of course I would love to see more literature and personal development content next!
Love love these takeaways, Chloe! The parallels are juicy here too. That’s two for literature, and personal development is noted. And thanks Chloe! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Even if tech isn’t your goal, I love how this approach highlights a universal truth: pick one thing, learn it deeply and build real projects. It has worked for me in art, writing, cooking and yoga. I think it would work in any skill you care about. Clarity beats overwhelm every time. I’d love to also see more content for the artists and writers and your wonderful short stories! I’m not the greatest with tech so thank you for showing me something new Idris Elijah!
Love the parallels you draw here, Jody! Now that you’re a clarity and direction pro. More content for artists and writers, got it. And more short stories, working on it 😉 And you are most welcome Jody 🙌🏾🙌🏾
I’m not in tech but this still hit home. In music we do the same thing. We chase new plug-ins, presets and gear when the real magic is always in the fundamentals: groove, emotion, melody. This issue reminded me to stop getting distracted by the shiny stuff and go deeper with what actually matters. One lane, one set of tools, real focus. That’s where the breakthroughs happen. Would like for you to dive deeper into music in your next newsletter. Thank you Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
Mmmh, powerful parallels you drew here, Brooke. So far we have two for literature and two for music (Brian DM’d me his vote). I suppose I’ll have to be the tie breaker, and I’m leaning more music. You are most welcome Brooke! 🤩🙌🏾
I’ve spent years trying to do it all and getting nowhere. It’s a relief to hear someone say you don’t have to know everything at once. Whether it’s tech, music, writing or even fitness, narrowing your focus and mastering the basics first is what creates momentum and confidence. This is a great introduction for starting in tech and valuable insights for anyone wanting to learn something new as we head into 2026. Thank you Idris for the insightful content and Happy Friday to you!
Wonderful takeaways Brian, thanks so much for sharing! You are most welcome, have a great weekend! 🤩
As a writer, this whole “one thing at a time” idea speaks to me. I used to bounce between five craft books, three story ideas and a full-blown existential crisis about my voice… all before lunch! But focusing on the fundamentals like sentence rhythm, emotional clarity and the stories that won’t leave me alone has done WAY more for my growth than chasing every shiny new technique. Sometimes the simplest stack really is the one that unlocks everything. Interesting tech issue Idris Elijah and of course I would love to see more literature and personal development content next!
Love love these takeaways, Chloe! The parallels are juicy here too. That’s two for literature, and personal development is noted. And thanks Chloe! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Even if tech isn’t your goal, I love how this approach highlights a universal truth: pick one thing, learn it deeply and build real projects. It has worked for me in art, writing, cooking and yoga. I think it would work in any skill you care about. Clarity beats overwhelm every time. I’d love to also see more content for the artists and writers and your wonderful short stories! I’m not the greatest with tech so thank you for showing me something new Idris Elijah!
Love the parallels you draw here, Jody! Now that you’re a clarity and direction pro. More content for artists and writers, got it. And more short stories, working on it 😉 And you are most welcome Jody 🙌🏾🙌🏾