Today, we’re diving into the concept of “Minimum Viable Information.” This idea, from Corey Wilks Psy.D., is a game-changer for anyone who tends to overanalyze and over-research before taking action.

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Embarking on Your Creative Journey: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection

How the Concept of Minimum Viable Information Can Unlock Your Potential

In our latest TBM Show episode, we delved into the transformative concept of Minimum Viable Information. This powerful idea urges us to break free from analysis paralysis and take immediate action, even if we don’t know everything we think we need to know.

Understanding Minimum Viable Information

Minimum Viable Information (MVI) is a concept introduced by Corey Wilks, which can be a game changer for perfectionists and over-thinkers. The idea is straightforward: Stop trying to learn everything before you begin. Instead, identify the smallest amount of information you need to get started. In essence, MVI encourages you to embrace action as a way to learn and grow.

It’s easy to get bogged down in endless research, believing that the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be. However, the opposite is often true. The more you delay and prepare, the less you actually do. Action, even if imperfect, results in practical experience and tangible progress. The mistakes you make along the way become invaluable learning opportunities.

Identifying the Minimal Starting Point

One of the most paralyzing aspects of starting something new is the overwhelming array of choices and the demand for high-quality resources. Whether you’re considering starting a YouTube channel, diving into a new hobby, or launching a business, it’s tempting to think you need the best gear, the perfect skills, or the most detailed plan before you proceed.

Take content creation as an example. You might believe that you need the latest camera, the best microphone, and professional lighting to start a YouTube channel. While good equipment can certainly enhance your videos, the most crucial element is the content itself. People are far more likely to stick around because of the value you provide, rather than the quality of your production. Begin with what you have, focus on delivering valuable content, and improve your setup as you grow.

Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection

Fear often disguises itself in the need for more information. What if you’re not good enough? What if people judge you? Recognizing these fears is the first step to overcoming them. The key is to take the first step despite the fear.

Marcus Aurelius used a “reserve clause” to take action while still being uncertain of success. A reserve clause can be doing the thing while stating God willing (“D.V.” or “Deo Volente”), if nothing prevents me, or fate permitting I will do X. If you do not even attempt, the failure is certain.

The Long-Term Perspective

The idea of putting your all into one thing for a year is powerful. By dedicating yourself to a project, you open yourself to growth and new opportunities, even if the project doesn’t turn out to be your life’s calling. Skills and experience accumulate over time, often in unexpected ways. At worst, you learn what doesn’t work, and at best, you discover new passions or sharpen your existing skills.

You can always change directions, but it’s key to start walking in a direction.

The Mountain Analogy

We often face mountains in our creative journeys. Imagine three individuals: one who gives up before starting, one who takes the easy route by driving to the top of the mountain, and one who chooses to hike up manually, enduring the sweat and hardships along the way. It’s easy to guess which person cherishes the view most—the one who put in the hard work.

Similarly, your creative and professional endeavors will have their challenges. The moments of struggle make the eventual success much more satisfying. The path may be arduous, but every step taken uphill builds character, skills, and resilience.

Embracing the Journey

Often, we cannot see the peak of the mountain or the end result of our efforts. This can be daunting, but remember that each small step taken in the right direction is progress. Embrace the journey, the learning, and the development. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.
For me, recording this podcast episode was one of those small steps. What’s your small step today?Whatever it is, take it! And don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We’d love to have you in our community. Until next time, stay messy and keep pushing forward!

🚀 Key Takeaways:
– Learn what minimum viable information is and how it can help you get started on your projects quickly.
– Discover the importance of taking action and learning through doing, rather than just gathering more information.
– Practical examples on how to apply this concept in various fields: starting a YouTube channel, becoming a musician, getting into fitness, and more.
– Inspirational insights on overcoming fear, uncertainty, and the plethora of options that might be holding you back.

💪 Don’t let fear or overthinking paralyze you! Ask yourself what the minimum information you need is, and then just start. You’ll learn so much more by actually doing the thing.

5 Key Lessons:

1. Start Small: Identify the minimum amount of information needed to get started on a project and take that first step.

2. Focus on Value: Prioritize creating valuable content over having the perfect setup.

3. Embrace Mistakes: Learn from doing and making mistakes rather than over-researching.

4. Vision Beyond Barriers: Envision your ideal scenario if common barriers like time, money, and fear were not an issue.

5. Consistent Effort: Approach your goals like a mountain hike – the effort and persistence make the success more rewarding.

🔍 Episode Breakdown:
0:00 What is Minimum Viable Information
2:36 – The Paradox of Too Many Options
3:01 – Overcoming Fear and Envisioning Success
7:23 – Imposter Syndrome and the Reserve Clause
9:15 – The Mountain Analogy: Putting in the Work

🎸 Whether you’re looking to start a creative project, get into better shape, or pursue a new hobby, this episode has something for everyone.

👍 Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to the channel fam!

📚 Resources
ARTICLE The Four Horsemen of Fear by Corey Wilks, Psy.D.

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This is episode 88 of The Beautiful Mess Show podcast.

Hosted by Paul Dittus