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Maria Santos's avatar

I really relate to the idea of not needing to feel ready before starting. My daughter and I used to hesitate before trying new routines because we wanted to get it right but lately we’ve just been jumping in and figuring it out as we go. It’s messier but we’re learning faster and actually enjoying it more. The idea of building something small and complete instead of waiting until we’re better really resonates with me. Thank you Idris Elijah for content that makes me think and inspires me to improve!

Idris Elijah's avatar

I love to hear it. You are so welcome! I feel like the messier the beginning is, the better the end result. So many are afraid to just jump in because things aren’t “perfect.” The approach the two of you are taking is phenomenal! Right on! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

Brooke Carver's avatar

The way you broke this down reminds me of how I’ve started approaching music lately. Instead of trying to make a full polished song, I’ve been focusing on small sections that actually work. Things like getting a melody or transition right before moving on. It’s made the process feel less overwhelming and a lot more productive. That shortest path from I saw this to I used this idea is real. That’s where things are finally starting to stick for me. Another inspiring and thoughtful read Idris Elijah!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Love that you’re taking a different approach to your music that is beneficial to your craft. Our approach is very similar when it comes to music. Trying to do everything all at once is a losing game. Thank you so much for sharing! 🤩🤩🤩

Chloe Lawson's avatar

“Recognition feels good. Recall builds skill.” That line stayed with me. It explains why consuming more never translated into better writing for me. I could recognize good structure but I couldn’t consistently produce it. Focusing on smaller, complete works has helped close that gap. This approach feels less like learning about writing and more like actually becoming a writer through repetition and application. Thank you Idris Elijah for reinforcing the tools from your very valuable ebook!

Idris Elijah's avatar

You’re most welcome! I’m so pleased you’re getting more from these issues. That was my plan all along. Thank you! Love these insights. So valid and real. 🤗🤗🤗

Brian Robert's avatar

This tied a lot together for me, especially the last couple newsletters about reps and slowing down. I can see now how I’ve been overloading on input instead of actually proving anything to myself. The idea of usable fluency is a much better target than waiting until I feel ready. I like that this isn’t about becoming great in 10 hours, just becoming dangerous enough to keep going. Thank you Idris for an accessible framework that is easy to understand and put into action!

Idris Elijah's avatar

You’re most welcome! Love that you’re taking away real concrete ideas from these issues that you can take and use in your creative pursuits. Right on! 🤗🤗🤗

Jody Freedman's avatar

What stood out to me was how similar this is to what happens in painting. When I focus on one small study and actually finish it, I learn more than jumping between ten references. That idea of building something ugly but working translates perfectly. Some of my biggest improvements came from pieces I almost didn’t want to show. There’s something about finishing that teaches you in a way preparation never does. Thank you Idris Elijah for sharing this, I got a lot from today’s newsletter!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Absolutely! Finishing teaches you way more than preparation ever will. The act of doing is so powerful. Do it even if it’s ugly, because no one is looking over your shoulder. You’re free to improve and refine. So glad you got a lot from this issue. Almost didn’t publish it. 🤗🤗🤗