Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less

by Pat Flynn

The truth is that it’s not just about having the answers or the information; it’s about what we do with it. The implementation. Action without information is chaos, but information without action is a waste. The key to unlocking our full potential lies in finding the perfect balance between the two.

Tailored for a world that constantly disrupts our focus, the essence of Lean Learning is captured in its simplicity and its efficacy. It is structured around four essential steps: 1. Identify what you want to accomplish next. 2. Learn only what you need to move forward. 3. Implement what you’ve learned. 4. Review and repeat to refine the process to deepen understanding and skill.

The number one thing wasting your time is overthinking, overlearning, and asking too many questions before you try. The only way to truly know is to commit to taking action, and then do it.

“How does this pursuit fit into my life right now?” It’s okay to honor the areas that you’ve already committed to. We all have obligations and responsibilities, and it’s important to acknowledge these while we try to make room for something new.

“If this were easy, what would it look like?” (ITWEWWILL) It. We will.

Building resilience through mistakes is a crucial skill for anyone aiming to succeed in challenging environments.

Sometimes, it’s not a mistake that causes us to grow but simply a change in circumstances. How we adapt, though, determines whether or not we thrive.

Simplify your plans. Break down your goals into actionable steps that focus more on doing and less on planning. Remember, no plan survives contact with reality, and flexibility is key.

Not only are we constantly online, but the platforms we are on are continually optimizing to give you more information that their algorithms believe you need and want. It’s an arms race for attention and ad dollars, and unfortunately, we are the casualties of it. The only way to combat this is to take decisive action, and unsubscribe and unfollow everything that does not consistently add value to your learning progress. For some, it may even require declaring “information bankruptcy,” removing all sources of input, and then reengaging only with that which supports your next goal.

It’s essential to start with just the information you need, but even more crucial to continue learning only what is necessary at each step. This is the essence of JITI—focusing precisely on the information required at the moment and intentionally blocking out everything else. This strategy was transformative for me, especially as a perpetual information hoarder who used to gather and store every bit of info “just in case I needed it later.”

Here’s a quick recap of the Lean Learning process from a high level: 1. Identify the next step in your journey. 2. Gather the minimum amount of information required to complete that step. 3. Take action and complete the step. 4. Rinse and repeat.

Trust your chosen path: Have confidence in the streamlined path you’ve selected. This trust minimizes second-guessing and reduces the urge to veer off course in search of more information.

Set information boundaries: Define clear boundaries about what type of information you need and when you need it. This helps filter out the noise and focus on what’s truly necessary for the current phase of your project.

Remember: if it doesn’t relate, eliminate.

I practice what I like to call “Voluntary Force Functions.” By deliberately placing myself in challenging circumstances, circumstances that require me to step up, I increase the likelihood that I will follow through on my commitment and achieve my goals.

This is key to the Lean Learning process: you have to keep going. The small wins are only significant when you leverage them for larger wins down the line.

when individuals shared their goals with others, they reported feeling closer to achieving them, even though they hadn’t made any actual progress. The act of sharing the goal itself made them feel a premature sense of accomplishment, which in turn reduced their motivation to put in the work required to actually achieve the goal.1

“Or… you can take it seriously,” Hiten said. “You can give it the time, money, and attention it deserves and build it into a real company. You’ve got a bunch of these other things going on, and you’re split between a lot of it. Shut it down, or double down.”

“Have I given this every possible chance to succeed?”

Start by identifying the problems and challenges that matter most to you, then take bold action to begin solving them. Seek out essential information and resources you need, but don’t get bogged down in the pursuit of perfection. Instead, focus on incremental progress, learning from your mistakes, and celebrating your successes. And don’t forget that you don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with those who will champion you: mentors, peers, a community of like-minded individuals who will cheer you on, challenge you, and help you grow into who you could become. Then, to complete the cycle, embrace the power of teaching others as you go, and watch as your impact and influence expand in surprising and helpful ways.