Getting Better at Anything (Even If You’re a Human Disaster)

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: getting good at something doesn’t feel good at the beginning. It feels like drowning. In glue. While everyone else is somehow breathing underwater and casually winning Olympic medals.

But if you want to get better at something—like, actually better and not just “collect new browser tabs about it” you don’t need a new planner or a productivity cult. You need a system that works with your brain, not against it.

This is mine. It’s messy. It works.

Start with Theft. Stay with Curiosity.

No, not actual theft.

I mean steal like an artist. Find people who are already good at the thing, and copy what they do until you find your own weird, wonderful spin on it.

Watch their videos. Skim their blogs. Read their rants. Listen to their podcast while pacing your kitchen and pretending you don’t have dishes to do.

Look for the stuff they all agree on. That’s your foundation.

Don’t Wait Until You’re “Ready”

That feeling? That voice in your head saying I’ll start when I know more / feel motivated / finish re-organizing my desktop icons?

It’s lying to you. (Trust me I do it all of the time with coding tutorials)

You get better by doing the thing. Not reading about it. Not thinking about it. Just—doing it. Badly, at first. But consistently.

Honestly, the only secret weapon is momentum. And snacks.

“Start before you’re ready. Don’t prepare, begin.”

Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

Practice Like It’s a Ritual, Not a Punishment

You don’t have to suffer to improve. You’re allowed to enjoy it. Or at least, not dread it.

Practice in short, focused bursts. Do it while tired. Do it while distracted. Just… do it. Half-assed effort still moves the needle.

And if you’re practicing something awkward in public—like drawing hands or speaking French—just embrace the cringe. You’re growing. Cringe is part of it.

Evaluate Without Being an Asshole to Yourself

This is not the time for an internal roast session.

Ask better questions:

It’s not I suck at this. It’s this version didn’t work yet. That’s a huge difference.

Build the Loop. Live in the Loop.

All real improvement happens in this cycle: Learn → Try → Evaluate → Adjust → Repeat

That’s it. That’s the game.

Sometimes it’s boring. Sometimes it’s magical. Sometimes you question all your life choices halfway through step two. But if you stay in the loop long enough, you will get better.

Not instantly. Not perfectly. But undeniably.

TL;DR: Progress Is Just Being Less Terrible, Repeatedly

You don’t have to be born talented. You don’t need the best tools. You don’t need a 5-year plan or a bullet journal made from unicorn tears.

You just need to:

• Start messy
• Steal what works
• Practice without shame
• Stay in the damn loop

And when your brain tries to tell you it’s not worth it unless it’s perfect

Laugh. Then get back to it.

Because you’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to get better.