Pulling Weeds by the Root

There are two ways to remove a weed: pull it out by the roots or chop off its stem. Only one is permanent. This same principle applies to how we approach learning and growth.

Throughout college, I struggled with imposter syndrome. Meeting countless peers who seemed leagues ahead inevitably led to self-doubt. In an environment where everyone appeared to be on similar paths but moving at different speeds, comparison became unavoidable.

Beyond Linear Thinking

The true roadblock wasn't comparison itself—it was how procedural everything seemed. Want to be an venture capitalist? Major in economics. Want to become a software engineer? Study computer science. Success required following a rigid, predefined path—climbing every rung of the ladder in sequence.

This linear thinking made me believe that learning anything new meant starting from the absolute beginning. But this approach only addresses the leaves of our limitations, not their roots.

Creating New Pathways

Most paths to mastery aren't straight lines. They're messy, interconnected webs where the best approach is often to simply jump in. You figure things out as you go, identifying knowledge gaps organically rather than following a predetermined curriculum.

This realization transformed how I approach learning. Instead of waiting for the "proper" starting point, I focus on diving in and building connections along the way. I think of it like solving a crossword puzzle—start with what you know, and use that foundation to uncover what you don't.

Cultivating Long-Term Growth

When we only focus on short-term progress—checking boxes and completing prerequisites—we miss opportunities for deeper understanding. True learning isn't about accumulating credentials but about building relationships with knowledge that last.

Just as we consider a relationship's potential duration before investing in it, we should approach learning with longevity in mind. The question isn't "How quickly can I learn this?" but rather "How can I build understanding that will serve me for years to come?"

Breaking Free

Stop waiting for permission to learn. You don't need to master the basics before getting started.

Use comparison as a tool for inspiration, not as a measure of self-worth.

Remember that learning isn't linear—sometimes the best way forward is to create your own path.

If you've been holding yourself back from pursuing something new, remember: Forget the ladders—make your own ziplines.