The MVP Life: Digital Wisdom Beyond the Screen
After 8 years in digital and my recent promotion to Data Insights Lead, I've realized digital thinking has transformed how I approach challenges - both in data work and life. While I can't pinpoint exactly when this mindset shift happened, working in digital has given me a clear framework for making decisions in uncertain environments.
Let me be clear: things don't always work out perfectly. We're human. There are always unknowns, factors beyond our control, and inevitable mistakes. But here's what digital work has taught me:
Focus on the Critical Question
It's easy to get lost in details or let confusion paralyze progress. I've learned to pause briefly when facing a challenge and ask: "What's the critical question here?" You might not identify the most crucial question immediately, but the power lies in narrowing your focus to one thing. If exploring that question leads you to a different critical question - that's progress! The goal is avoiding paralysis.
Start Small, Start Now
In digital, we use the concept of "Minimum Viable Product" (MVP) - developing just enough to get meaningful feedback. This principle is transformative beyond tech:
Want to write a book? Write one page
Interested in golf? Hit the driving range for 30 minutes
Considering a car purchase? Test drive one model
Planning yard work? Focus on one corner
The key is starting small and starting now.
Real-World Application: My Data Workflow
Here's how I apply these principles in my data work:
Use R as my MVP builder
Test code in command line first
Move working code to a script
Add loops for repetitive tasks
Build example charts
Get stakeholder feedback
Transfer to Power BI for visualization
Test with broader stakeholder group
Consider automation opportunities
The success formula is simple:
Take small steps
Keep moving
Focus on critical questions ("Does it work?" "Does it answer our core question?")
This approach isn't about perfection - it's about progress through practical action.