Lean Learning

1. Prioritize Action Over Endless Information Consumption

“Knowledge, if it does not determine action, is dead to us.”

Stop over-learning. The author, Pat Flynn, confesses to being an "over-learner," constantly consuming content without applying it. This information hoarding led to paralysis and frustration, especially after his layoff during the Great Recession. He realized that knowledge alone is insufficient; action is the true catalyst for progress.

Information overload. In today's world, we are inundated with content, leading to "inspiration overload" and overthinking. This constant consumption often delays simple decisions and prevents forward movement. The key is to shift from passive consumption to active application.

Action is progress. Pat's business coach, Jeremy, famously told him to "Just freaking get started" (JFGS) when he was stuck planning his first eBook. This blunt advice highlighted that all his planning was hindering actual progress. Real learning begins when you start doing, not just consuming.

2. Simplify Your Next Steps with the Keystone Question

“If this were easy, what would it look like?”

Unlock clarity. This "Keystone Question" (ITWEWWILL), inspired by Tim Ferriss, helps cut through overwhelm and identify the minimum viable action (MVA) needed to move forward. It encourages you to strip away perceived complexities and focus on the simplest path.

Real-world application. When Pat and Caleb invented the SwitchPod tripod, they asked ITWEWWILL at every stage. This led them to:

• Prototype with cardboard boxes.
• Determine dimensions by asking YouTubers at a conference.
• Expand by white-labeling accessories instead of building new products from scratch.

Start where you are. The story of Kelvin Doe, a young innovator from Sierra Leone, further illustrates this. He learned electronics by dismantling discarded parts, asking "If learning about electronics were easy, what would it look like?" His answer was to learn by doing, using available resources.

3. Embrace Imperfection and Learn from Every Mistake

“You have to be a disaster before you become the master.”

Mistakes are teachers. Our society often demonizes failure, but for a Lean Learner, mistakes are invaluable learning opportunities. They provide immediate feedback, stimulate curiosity, and deepen understanding in ways theoretical knowledge cannot.

Types of failures. Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson identifies three types:

• Basic failures: Not following known "right ways."
• Complex failures: Due to combined factors in familiar situations.
• Intelligent failures: Unexpected results from new attempts in new contexts.
  Intelligent failures, involving small, psychologically safe risks, are crucial for innovation and growth.

Building resilience. Pat's early business faced a cease-and-desist letter for trademark infringement. Instead of quitting, he adapted, changed his brand, and learned invaluable legal lessons. This ordeal built resilience, transforming a potential defeat into a driver of growth.

4. Leverage Champions: Mentors, Peers, and Community

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Support system. Nobody achieves greatness alone. Champions—friends, family, peers, and mentors—provide crucial support, guidance, and accountability. Dr. Barbara Cohen's podcasting journey, despite her fear of technology, thrived due to community support.

Types of champions:

• Friends and Family: Provide emotional support and celebrate wins.
• Peers: Offer unique insights and collaboration from shared experiences (e.g., mastermind groups).
• Virtual Mentors: Experts who share knowledge through content (books, podcasts).
• Personal Mentors: Provide tailored one-on-one guidance and accountability.

Reciprocity is key. Being a champion for others by offering encouragement or sharing resources strengthens the community. This mutual exchange enriches the learning experience for everyone involved.

5. Protect Your Focus with Just-in-Time Information

“Structured guidance is better than random cherry-picking.”

Unsubscribe from noise. Just like Pat's golf buddy George, who excelled by avoiding endless golf theories, Lean Learning advocates for "unsubscribing" from unnecessary information. Focus only on what's essential for your next step.

Just-in-Time Information (JITI). This core Lean Learning principle means acquiring only the information needed for the immediate task. Pat applied this when writing his study guide, focusing solely on formatting and content before moving to cover design or sales pages.

Combatting FOMO. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can derail progress. Strategies include:

• Implementing a "For Later" system for non-urgent info.
• Trusting your chosen path.
• Setting clear information boundaries.
• Using FOMO as a checkpoint to reassess needs.
• Embracing "time blocking as a verb" to create focused, distraction-free work periods.

6. Create Voluntary Force Functions for Accelerated Growth

“If the road is easy, you’re likely going the wrong way.”

Intentional pressure. Voluntary Force Functions are deliberate, self-imposed challenges that compel action and accelerate learning. Pat's first public speaking engagement, despite his fear, was a prime example, forcing him to prepare intensely.

Recipe for effective force functions:

• A Leap of Faith Moment: Committing to "starting now."
• A Time-Locked Commitment: A non-negotiable deadline.
• High Stakes: Enough pressure to motivate, not paralyze.
• Meaningful Challenge: Aligned with personal growth and values.
• Rewards on the Other End: Unlocking new opportunities.

Strategic sharing. While publicly announcing goals can backfire (premature accomplishment), sharing them with "higher status" individuals whose opinions you respect can provide powerful motivation and accountability.

7. Regularly Assess Your Path: Persist or Pivot with Purpose

“Life is not a journey you want to make on autopilot.”

Revisit your "why." Periodically reconnecting with your core purpose, cause, or belief is crucial for guiding decisions. Shane and Jocelyn Sams' entrepreneurial journey was driven by their "why"—the freedom to be there for their family.

The 3 Ps of Personal Pursuit:

• Progress: Celebrate milestones and assess if you're moving forward.
• Passion: Evaluate if your enthusiasm and energy are sustained.
• Purpose: Ensure alignment with your core values and long-term vision.

Personal mission statement. Create a clear, concise articulation of your values and vision. This "North Star" helps evaluate opportunities and steer you back on course when feeling misaligned.

8. Combine Micro Mastery with Bold Quantum Leaps

“Fortune favors the bold.”

Micro Mastery. This involves focusing on small, specific, incremental improvements that compound over time. Ori Bengal, "Couch Surfing Ori," dramatically improved his art by hyper-focusing on one tiny detail (e.g., brush strokes, specific colors) at a time across thousands of daily pieces.

Compounding effects. Small improvements in a process, like a sales funnel, can lead to exponential results. Doubling one conversion rate can double sales without increasing traffic.

Quantum Leaps. These are sudden, substantial shifts that catapult progress, requiring calculated risks and pushing beyond comfort zones. Nathan Barry's decision to "double down" on ConvertKit, shutting down his profitable publishing business, transformed his company into an industry leader.

9. Solidify Your Learning by Teaching and Leading Others

“While we teach, we learn.”

Teaching reinforces learning. Sharing your knowledge forces you to break down complex concepts, identify gaps in your understanding, and articulate ideas effectively. Pat's "eBooks the Smart Way" guide not only helped others but also streamlined his own writing process.

Benefits of teaching:

• Deepens your own understanding.
• Establishes credibility and authority.
• Builds meaningful relationships.
• Creates a positive ripple effect.

Work in public. "Learning out loud" by sharing your process, challenges, and insights publicly (e.g., blogging, social media, open-source projects) invites feedback, collaboration, and builds trust. Arvid Kahl's transparent development of Podscan.fm is a prime example.

Build community. Creating and nurturing spaces for like-minded individuals, whether online or in-person, fosters shared growth and mutual support. Pat's SPI Community and Card Party events exemplify this, turning individual successes into collective impact.

Last updated: August 14, 2025