# Experienced-based Proficiency By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-01-11 Things are challenging before they are easy. The first time one writes a report, it is daunting. One doesn’t know what to do. Much time is wasted as one tries to figure out what one will do. As the deadline approaches, one does something. The result might be good. It might not be so hot. Either way, one gained the experience of what it takes to write a report. The next time, depending on the outcome of the first, one might not mind writing a paper or dread it. Less time will be spent thinking about what needs to be done. One knows. One can knock out the paper much more efficiently. This is called the learning curve. And so it goes. Each paper becomes a little more efficient. At some point, one has developed proficiency in the task, and one can write a report without any fear and do it remarkably efficiently. Experience-based proficiencies are the basis of comparative advantage. What one does well and proficiently can be a way of navigating the professional landscape. If one is experiencing a challenge, it might be because one lacks proficiency in its execution. The next time will likely be easier. And if not the next time, then the time after that. #### Related Items [[Experience]] [[Skills]] [[Work]] [[Learning]] [[Reporting]] [[Efficiency]]