Be a Relentless Learner—Master Any Skill by Doing, Copying, and Starting Over

Skill doesn’t simply come from passive learning or sitting through lectures. The world’s best creators, thinkers, and doers share a different approach: relentless, hands-on practice. Artists sketch hundreds of studies, copying old masters and trying new techniques. Programmers learn by writing bad software, just as writers churn out awkward stories before finding their voice. The same pattern shows up across fields: first you try, then you copy, then you tweak—then you start over and build something new.

Every round of practice leaves a trail behind. Musicians, for instance, often record themselves and listen back, hearing flaws and strengths invisible in the moment. Writers and designers archive earlier drafts, revisiting them for clues when they’re stuck. The act of copying isn’t mere imitation—done with care and curiosity, it teaches you to see. Only after tracing the greats can you spot your own blind spots and possibilities.

Behavioral science calls this 'deliberate practice' or the iterative learning loop. By regularly engaging with mentors’ models, evaluating one’s own work, and circling back with improvements, talent transforms into mastery. The beauty of real learning is recognizing that getting better always means starting over—and daring to keep building.

Pick a small project in a skill you care about, and start—even if your first version is flawed. Next, choose a masterwork to copy line by line or note by note, paying close attention to subtle choices. After finishing both, compare and then begin a fresh attempt, incorporating what you learned from both your original and the copy. Each cycle improves your eye and hand, so let yourself iterate and throw away early drafts. Try this approach and you'll notice yourself growing faster than you ever expected.