In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses the often-overlooked journey from beginner to expert, emphasizing the importance of embracing the initial stages of learning and growth. Warikoo challenges the common desire for immediate expertise by highlighting the willingness required to be a novice, a phase many are eager to skip.
He shares a personal anecdote about his finance YouTube channel, illustrating this point. “I was stuck at 7,000 subscribers on my finance YouTube channel for 4 years,” Warikoo recounts. “I could’ve easily given up.” This period of stagnation, he suggests, is a critical juncture where many aspiring experts falter.
“But if I did, I wouldn’t have reached 2 million subscribers in the next 2 years. Which is 7+ million today.”
Warikoo reframes the concept of failure, asserting that it is not a mark of embarrassment but rather a vital indicator of progress. He argues that every individual perceived as an expert today has, at some point, experienced moments of uncertainty and awkwardness.
The Bravery of Being a Beginner
Warikoo’s central thesis revolves around the idea that the discomfort of being a beginner is a sign of active engagement and learning. He posits that this phase, while potentially awkward, is essential for developing mastery. “Every ‘expert’ once looked unsure, awkward, or even ridiculous,” he states, encouraging those currently in this stage not to feel ashamed.
Failure as Proof of Motion
According to Warikoo, the willingness to appear awkward or unsure is precisely what separates those who achieve expertise from those who do not. He views these moments not as setbacks but as tangible evidence of being in motion, learning, and growing. This perspective shifts the narrative around perceived failures, transforming them into necessary steps on the path to success.
“Failure isn’t embarrassment. It’s proof that you’re in motion, learning, growing.”
He further elaborates on the significance of this mindset: “If you’re in that phase, don’t be ashamed. It means you’re doing the brave work most avoid.” This highlights the courage required to persist through the initial learning curve, a path that many find too challenging or undignified.
Rooting for the Learners
Warikoo concludes his post with a message of encouragement, expressing support for individuals navigating the early stages of their learning journeys. His insights serve as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of expertise is a marathon, not a sprint, and that embracing the beginner’s mindset is fundamental to achieving long-term success.
“I’m rooting for you :))”
By sharing his own experience and reframing the perception of early-stage learning, Ankur Warikoo provides a valuable perspective for anyone striving to develop new skills or achieve mastery in their chosen field. His message underscores the idea that true growth often lies just beyond the edge of our comfort zone.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ankur Warikoo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 11, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →