Shortcuts will cut you short, they say. But it can't be that simple.
The right shortcuts, those based on efficiency rather than fundamental avoidance, can actually accelerate meaningful progress.
The trick is discernment.
I’d probably still be struggling to write a single decent article had I not learned to outline my thoughts first.
When I learned to draw, I initially tried to memorize every detail before drawing anything substantial. But then, I later discovered that mastering basic frameworks is actually about building confidence via practice and not necessarily achieving a top class image right off the bat.
We overestimate what we can achieve in a month and underestimate what we can achieve in a year.
Between overestimating and underestimating, there's a certain wisdom in setting realistic short-term goals while still maintaining ambitious long-term vision.
It is laughable in hindsight that I tried learning Japanese through memorizing vocabulary that I've picked up without ever speaking it.
Looking back over the year so far, I'm nevertheless amazed at how those consistent small efforts accumulated into real progress.
The ideal scenario is of course consistent daily progress toward our goals. But experience has taught me it's better to embrace imperfection and maintain forward momentum than to wait for perfect conditions, which hardly ever happens.
For the most part, the mini projects that ended up succeeding were the ones I started messily but kept returning to even after numerous breaks.
Also, time will pass either way, might as well use it intentionally, even if progress seems slow and incremental.
This could also be a good reminder whenever one feels reluctant to begin something substantial.
Illusion Of Control
I think the main attractive point of taking shortcuts isn't necessarily the less time it'll take to move from point A to B, but rather it's the illusion of control and immediate gratification they provide.
Generally, whenever I take a shortcut, the mental gymnastics my mind plays on me is overwhelming, especially if my conscience is also whispering that I'm cheating myself.
Needless to say, true sustainable growth often requires embracing the full journey with its challenges and lessons.
Real-world problems can't be solved through skipping foundational knowledge, lest you build something flimsy that collapses with the first blow of the wind.
Sometimes, I put it on this framework that distinguishes between "good shortcuts" (efficiency improvements, leveraging experience) and "bad shortcuts" (skipping fundamental learning, avoiding necessary challenges).
This helps in the discernment aspect, given it's not always clear whether alternative routes are up ahead.
First, working harder, then smarter is arguably a solid foundation for success.
Working smarter without working harder isn't unlike running a marathon without training.
I've learned that patience paired with persistent action can also create a powerful combination.
The daily small steps—reading twenty pages, writing for thirty minutes, practicing that difficult technique—will always seem insignificant in isolation but revolutionary when sustained over a sufficient period of time.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.