Many people believe they must fully master a software tool, learning every feature and nuance, before they can use it effectively or create any value. They fear that without complete knowledge, they'll waste effort or make mistakes.
This mindset is nonsense, and here's why: Tools evolve constantly, with features added, removed, or updated.
Sure, advanced capabilities might exist behind layers of complexity, but consider this: how much value have you truly extracted from every single feature in Microsoft Word?
I've used it for over 30 years and still don't know everything about it.
Honestly, it's often a clunky product; you'd probably be better off with simpler alternatives like Google Docs or Notion.
Why dedicating time to fully master applications is often a practical waste:
You may lack the full context
- Just because a tool exists doesn't mean it's the best or only option for your needs.
- You could invest months in courses to learn it, but if it's overly complicated to grasp quickly, it's likely not a great tool anyway.
- Proceed with caution before committing significant time, you might later realise it's the wrong choice, leading to embarrassment and sunk costs.
You'll likely retain knowledge shallowly
- Even if you memorise every command and feature through structured learning, retention fades without regular use.
- It happens organically if you use the tool frequently. Relying on textbooks or courses is inefficient, as they often cover irrelevant features you'll never need.
It can limit your flexibility and dexterity
- Committing to one "ultimate" app might blind you to opportunities for combining multiple tools to solve problems creatively.
- If you're bogged down in courses, how can you develop the agility to experiment across different applications?
And then there's time
- Some initial learning is necessary, of course.
- Start with the basics: Explore the interface, understand core concepts, and dive in.
- As you progress, experiment with menu options and features. Through hands-on trial and error, you'll master 80% of what's useful quickly.
- If stuck, consult AI for guidance, or even upload help files into an AI tool for tailored answers. That's what experts do.
This applies to virtually everything. Signs you're trapped in this pattern:
- You're enrolled in lengthy, tedious online courses (run by unqualified instructors) that drag on for weeks. In software, nothing should take eight weeks unless it's deeply technical.
- Your bookmarks are cluttered with guides for tiny tasks, and you rely on them excessively.
- You hesitate to build or create because you "lack confidence to start."
Here's a controversial take: If you need months to learn a narrow, niche skill without delivering value in the process, would you hire yourself? For such specialised tasks, someone overseas could likely do it cheaper and better on an hourly basis. You're essentially training for a role that might leave you unfulfilled. Instead, choose paths that emphasise speed and adaptability, AI excels at accelerating this.
How to learn tools dynamically
Here's my recommended approach for picking up new tools effectively:
Start with a specific problem or project
- Begin with something meaningful, like creating a presentation, writing a blog, building an app, or tackling a real task that motivates you.
Research available tools thoughtfully
- Weigh various factors:
- Do you already have access to a suitable tool?
- Is there a free, open source option that works?
- What about paid SaaS tools, does a free tier meet your needs?
- Consider ongoing costs; stacked subscriptions can become expensive, especially for those on tight budgets.
- Evaluate lock in risks: How hard would it be to switch later?
With your tool and problem in hand, break down the required functionality
- Assess at a high level: What features are available? Which ones do you need?
- Mentally map out the concepts and workflow.
- Identify the specific skills or features to apply, then implement them step by step.
- Use AI, traditional research, or trial and error to figure things out.
- As you navigate, explore all menus and options, hover, click, and experiment. Through iteration, you'll uncover a practical set of capabilities to complete your task.
Feel free to note advanced features for later, but always ask: Is it worth the time? Will I use it repeatedly? Are the principles transferable elsewhere? For example, learning programming fundamentals is worthwhile due to its broad applicability, you might even study it traditionally, but make such choices intentionally.
Why a contextual learning approach will help you dominate
Focusing on real problems rather than feature-by-feature tutorials leads to deeper understanding of the skills and goals involved.
You might not master the "how" immediately, but you'll grasp the "why", setting a strong foundation.
You'll notice patterns across software: Learning state management in one tool (like Bubble) translates to others.
This builds speed in switching contexts and adapting to new apps, even unfamiliar ones, fostering confidence and efficiency.
Ultimately, quick tool proficiency boosts decision making velocity, it's a superpower in itself.
Conclusion
Tools derive value solely from the problems they solve.
Don't assume the default tools from your school or employer are optimal.
Follow rules, but be selective about what you adopt.
Countless people have mastered Microsoft Office suite to perfection, only to command outdated tools in the AI era.
Avoid that fate: Prioritise problem-solving, critically evaluate tools, and focus on the value they deliver.