You Don’t Need to Know It All to Start

Ever felt that itch—that subtle nudge—telling you you’re not ready until you know absolutely everything? Let me give you permission to start right now, even if you don’t have all the answers. Because sometimes, taking that first step—even a shaky one—is what counts most.

“You don’t need to know permission to learn on the go.” This isn’t a typo—it means you’re free to start, even as you learn. Perfect knowledge before action is overrated. Real growth happens when you embrace the unknown with curiosity.

The Fallacy of “I Need to Know Everything”

We’ve all been there: staring at a blank screen, a new hobby, or a fresh project and thinking, “Not sure I know enough…” That inner voice whispers, “Wait until you’re ready.” But here’s the secret—that voice is often just fear in disguise.

Consider this: Dan Abramov, a respected developer, famously published a list of “things I don’t know”—and that’s okay. Knowing one thing well often trumps knowing a bit of everything :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

And yes, even experts began as beginners. You’re not expected to be a master on day one. Start with what you know—or even with nothing—and let the process teach you.

What “Learn on the Go” Really Means

“Learn on the go” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s an invitation to transform everyday moments into opportunities for growth. Whether you're waiting in line, commuting, or simply doing the dishes, there’s potential to learn something new .

Instead of pausing progress while you gather “enough knowledge,” begin with one small skill or idea. Dive into the project, experiment, adjust, and repeat. You’ll be surprised how much moves forward simply by starting.

Why Waiting for “Enough” Might Be Holding You Back

Perfectionism stalls progress. Waiting to feel “ready” often means never starting at all.
Growth comes through doing. The path is paved with trial, error, adjustments, and improvement.
Opportunities don’t wait. Sometimes you say yes, then learn how to do it later—like Richard Branson advises :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Give Yourself Enough Permission to Begin

Here’s a simple reminder: you don’t need someone’s approval to start. Daniel Bourke nails it—“You don’t need permission… You could start now, right if you wanted to” :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Let this be your own permission slip:

You’re allowed to begin without knowing everything.
You’re allowed to experiment and fail forward.
You’re allowed to update your course as you go.

Real Talk: How to Start While Learning

Here’s how you embrace “learn on the go”:

Pick one small goal. Not “master programming” but maybe “finish Chapter 1 of that course.”
Act immediately. Start reading, sketching, writing—do something, however small.
Reflect quickly. What got easier? Harder? Where do you need help?
Iterate and keep going. Adjust based on your reflection and keep moving forward.

Your First Step Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Maybe it’s a rough draft, an awkward video, or a hobby gone sideways. That’s all part of the process. Each imperfect attempt gets you closer to what works.

Curiosity fuels courage. As one blog puts it: “It’s okay to not know everything. Curiosity is a beautiful thing… courage helps you grow” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Let the Journey Teach You

Using “just enough” knowledge to start doesn’t mean you're uninformed—it means you’re adaptive. You learn by engaging with the work, adjusting to challenges, and growing in real time. This is far more powerful than passively waiting for perfection.

Think of it like planting a seed. You don’t watch it grow before planting—you plant and nurture it. In the same way, your goals need nurturing through action.

Summary: You’ve Got Permission—Use It

You don’t need to know everything before you begin. Starting imperfectly is not just okay—it’s necessary. Let your curiosity lead, and use real-world steps to guide your learning. You grow by doing.

So go ahead: take that first step. You might not see the full path yet. But as you walk, the way forward becomes clearer.

“You don’t need to know permission to learn on the go.” Embrace the journey—start now, learn as you go, grow along the way.

You Don’t Need to Know It All to Start