“We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.”
— John Holt, How Children Fail
Many years ago, John Holt shared a beautiful insight while talking about learning to play the cello.
He wrote:
“Most people would say what I am doing is ‘learning to play the cello’ and then ‘playing the cello.’ They imply that I will do the first until I have completed it, ‘have learned to play,’ and then I will begin to play. Of course this is nonsense. There are not two processes but one. We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.”
At first, this seems obvious. But if we stop and think about it, it completely changes the way we look at learning.
Learning Is Not Preparation for Life
Many of us believe we need to become “good enough” before we can actually do something.
* I’ll exercise when I know the right routine.
* I’ll dance when I become confident.
* I’ll read aloud once I improve.
* My child will participate once they are ready.
But readiness doesn’t magically appear first.
Readiness grows through experience.
Every attempt teaches the brain something new.
The Brain Learns Through Action
Our brains are designed to learn by moving, experimenting, making mistakes, adjusting, and trying again.
A child doesn’t wait until they have mastered walking before taking their first step.
They wobble…
They fall…
They get up…
And every attempt strengthens the brain-body connection.
The same principle applies throughout life.
Whether we are learning music, handwriting, balance, reading, or even improving memory as seniors, progress comes from repeated experience—not from waiting until we feel ready.
Mistakes Are Part of Learning
One of the biggest barriers to learning is the fear of getting it wrong.
Yet mistakes provide the brain with valuable information.
Each mistake answers questions like:
* What worked?
* What needs adjusting?
* What should I try differently next time?
Without mistakes, there is very little learning.
This Is Why Movement Matters
Movement-based learning follows this same principle.
When we introduce simple, purposeful movements, we are not waiting for the brain to become organised before moving.
The movement itself helps organise the brain.
Each repetition strengthens communication between different parts of the nervous system, making future learning easier.
Learning happens during the process—not after it.
A Message for Parents, Teachers, and Seniors
Whether you are supporting a child, learning a new skill yourself, or helping an older adult stay active, remember:
Don’t wait to become confident before you begin.
Confidence grows because you begin.
Don’t wait to become capable before you participate.
Capability develops through participation.
A Thought to Take With You
Learning is not something we finish before living.
Learning is living.
Every small step, every practice session, every wobble, every smile, every mistake is part of the learning itself.
As John Holt reminds us:
“We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.”
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Reflection Question
What is one thing you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” to do? Perhaps today is the perfect day to simply begin.
Inspired by the wisdom of John Holt and the timeless reminder that learning grows through experience.
Minaz Ajani has a Master’s in Sp. Ed with a focus on Learning Disabilities. She is an Internationally Licensed Brain Gym®️ , Touch for Health®️ , Movement-Based Learning™️ and RMTI ®️ Instructor and consultant and founder of Manifest Your Potential (http://manifesturpotential.com)