Balancing Learning and Building
Learning and building are both essential, but too much of either creates problems. Learning without building is just theory — you understand concepts but can't apply them. Building without learning is plateauing — you keep using the same techniques without growing.
The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
Tutorial Hell
Tutorial hell is when you endlessly consume courses, tutorials, and documentation without ever building anything real. It feels productive because you're learning, but you're not developing the skills that come from struggling with real problems.
Signs you might be stuck:
- You've completed many tutorials but have no projects to show
- You feel like you need "just one more course" before starting
- You understand concepts but freeze when facing a blank file
The escape: Start building something, even if you don't feel ready. You'll learn more from one real project than from ten tutorials.
Build Hell
The opposite problem is building the same kinds of things over and over without expanding your skills. You're productive, but you're not growing.
Signs you might be stuck:
- Every project uses the same patterns and tools
- You avoid features that require learning something new
- Your skills haven't noticeably improved in months
The escape: Deliberately choose projects that stretch your abilities. Add one new technology or concept to each project.
Finding Balance
A rough guideline: spend about 70% of your time building and 30% learning. Adjust based on what feels right for you.
Before starting a project — Learn enough to begin. You don't need to master everything upfront, just enough to take the first steps.
During a project — Learn what you need to continue. When you hit a wall, that's the perfect time to learn — you have immediate motivation and a real problem to solve.
After a project — Review what you learned and identify gaps. What was harder than expected? What would you do differently? This reflection guides your next learning focus.
Learn on Demand
The most efficient learning happens when you need it. Instead of studying databases in the abstract, learn about databases when your project needs one. The context makes concepts stick.
AI assistants excel at this kind of just-in-time learning. Ask them to explain concepts as you encounter them in your work.