Nothing Happens at First

In the beginning of many endeavors, it can feel like no progress is being made, no matter how much effort you put in. Often, it isn’t until much later that improvement suddenly appears, as if you’ve broken through some kind of barrier. It’s only then that progress starts to show.

I felt this firsthand a few years ago when I first tried learning how to dance salsa. In the beginning, I just didn’t get it. I would show up to class and not have the coordination to move my feet and arms the way the instructors were showing us, while also trying to be mindful of a partner. It wasn’t until after eight months of taking classes that it felt like something clicked. I was suddenly able to move my arms independently of my feet and lead my partner in a clear manner.

This is analogous to what happens when ice melts. Ice doesn’t melt until it passes its melting point. However, the potential that is built through the temperature changes leading up to the melting point is required for the ice to finally melt. Only a single-degree change—which was no different from the ones before—led to a significant change.

Similarly, learning is not linear. Breaking through the learning barrier is often the result of putting in the requisite effort, and building up the required potential to break through. There is often a period of frustration that is required. The results are delayed as the potential you build finally passes a tipping point.

Food for Thought

A few years ago—like many—I discovered Andrew Huberman’s podcast. What I loved about the episodes were the practical protocols woven throughout accessible neuroscience and delivered in Huberman’s calm and relaxing voice.

While the podcast is known for physical and mental health protocols, one idea from an early episode on neuroplasticity and learning has stuck with me the most: making errors is required for neuroplasticity and learning. I think I’ve always known this implicitly, but hearing a neuroscientist say it and back it with scientific evidence really internalized it for me.