I had an eye-opening moment recently. Picture this: I was on a flight, scrolling LinkedIn for a last-minute distraction before switching my phone to airplane mode. A video clip caught my attention—it was an interview I had done for a podcast. Curious, I watched it.

Without audio, I focused entirely on my expressions. That’s when I noticed something peculiar: a half-smile I hadn’t realized I was doing. It looked… odd. Was this a nervous quirk? A habit? Turns out, it was my subconscious attempt to avoid “resting face.”

What does this small, funny discovery have to do with you? A lot. It’s a perfect illustration of the learning process when trying something new. Whether you’re launching a podcast, starting a new role, or honing your sales techniques, mastering new skills takes intentional effort.

Here’s the Four-Step Learning Path to Guide You

Step 1: Education

Every journey to improvement starts with learning. You can’t excel in something if you don’t understand its fundamentals. Education can take many forms:

• Books and Audiobooks: A quick, accessible way to absorb new knowledge. Start with The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. It’s a fantastic guide to making small, consistent changes that yield big results.
• Videos and Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube are treasure troves of free, high-quality content.
• Training and Conferences: If you’re serious about leveling up, consider formal training. Whether it’s sales seminars or industry-specific workshops, live events often provide deeper, focused insights.

Ask yourself: when was the last time you learned something new? If it’s been a while, today’s the day to start.

Step 2: Process

Education alone doesn’t create change—it’s what you do with it that matters. This step is all about taking your new knowledge and putting it into action.

People process information differently. Some prefer scripting, while others jump into action to see what works. For example, in sales, scripting your pitch can give you a framework to refine. Others may record themselves practicing “on the fly” to identify natural responses.

Here’s what’s critical: you need a system. Whether you’re rehearsing in front of a mirror, testing ideas with a team, or creating structured workflows, consistent effort transforms knowledge into skill.

Step 3: Validation

Validation is the moment of truth. Are you doing things the way you think you are? This step can feel uncomfortable because it often requires looking in the mirror—literally or figuratively.

How to validate:

• Record Yourself: Whether it’s a sales pitch, a podcast, or a client call, audio and video recordings are invaluable tools. Watching yourself can feel awkward at first, but it’s the fastest way to identify quirks and areas for improvement.
• Seek Feedback: Show your work to someone you trust. Let them tell you what you can’t see yourself.

For me, validation meant recognizing my half-smile habit during a podcast interview. It was a subtle but clear signal that I needed to refine how I presented myself.

Step 4: Confirmation

Finally, confirmation comes when you seek external feedback to ensure your progress is on track. This step separates good performers from great ones.

Find a Coach:
This doesn’t have to mean hiring an expensive executive coach. Your “coach” could be a peer, mentor, or leader who offers constructive criticism. The important part is inviting someone to evaluate your performance and offer actionable advice.

Here’s the hard truth: asking for feedback is vulnerable. It takes courage to say, “What am I doing wrong?” But this is where breakthroughs happen. Elite performers actively seek criticism because they know that’s how they grow.

Where Are You on the Path?

Take a moment to reflect. Are you on this path of growth, or are you standing still? If you’re not moving forward, the good news is you can start today.

1. Education: Grab a book or register for a course.
2. Process: Put what you learn into practice with intention.
3. Validation: Record and review your work.
4. Confirmation: Invite feedback from a trusted source.

Improvement doesn’t have to mean massive, overwhelming changes. Often, it’s the small, consistent adjustments that make the biggest difference. Whether you’re striving to provide exceptional service to clients, outperform your peers, or simply become better at your craft, this path will get you there.

The question is: Are you ready to start?