The Truth About Expertise: It’s Not About Knowing Everything

You don't have to know everything to be an expert (and that's impossible in any professional anyway). So just get moving on that project you know you need to do, but keep futzing about on.

No one knows what the hell they’re doing (and that’s okay).

Starting something new is terrifying. I’ve fully embraced freelance consulting, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have moments where I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing, especially when it comes to selling myself.

Combine that with a career-long blind spot of not fully seeing myself as the expert I am, and it’s no surprise prospecting hasn’t been a breeze!

But here’s the thing I’ve learned — and I think we all need the reminder: no one knows everything. Not even the experts.

I’ve known this for a long time. It’s impossible to know everything. Hell, I’ve spoken with industry veterans in the ECM/intelligent document process space who’ve forgotten more than most people will ever know, and even they admit to not having all the answers. The truth is, no matter how much you know, there’s always something new around the corner. And that’s completely okay.

I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t trust ANYONE who says they have all the answers.

Photo by Chris on Unsplash

The “Dunno” Moment of Truth

Recently, I was reminded of this at Ayodeji Awosika's Writers' Summit. Every speaker at the summit was knowledgeable, successful, and considered an expert in their field. And yet, during Q&A, at least one question was answered with, “dunno.” Imagine that — a room full of experts, and even they had gaps in their knowledge!

For someone like me, who’s always wanted to know everything, this was a freeing moment. We all have that nagging fear that the thing we don’t know is the one thing that’ll make or break us. I used to think that, too—until an epiphany hit me years ago, courtesy of something as random as paper dust, high-speed scanners, and exhaust fans.

I’ll never know it all. You won’t either. And that’s perfectly fine.

Photo by Nathan McBride on Unsplash

Embracing Uncertainty as an Expert

Here’s the funny thing: Even though I’m a certified expert in copywriting, content strategy, and newsletters, I still stumble over things I don’t know. And that’s true for anyone, no matter how seasoned or specialized.

But as I’m refining my career path, I’m keeping a few key lessons in mind that might help you. Embracing the reality that you don’t and won’t ever have all the answers makes you more adaptable, less fearful of failure, and more willing to take action.

This mindset shift isn't just liberating — it's the foundation of continuous growth.

Here are those lessons.

8 Lessons on Expertise (And Why It’s Okay to Wing It)

1. Everyone is an expert about something.

Whether it’s work, a hobby, or just life experience, we all have specialized knowledge.

2. Expertise is relative.

Even within the same industry, experts know more or less about specific trends, strategies, or tactics. Nobody knows it all.

3. Effort over time equals results.

The more you do something, the more you learn. Expertise comes from action, not passive knowledge.

4. Experts are just people who started.

The difference between you and the expert you admire? They took the first step, and they kept going.

5. Action beats overthinking.

Experts aren’t necessarily smarter—they just have a bias for action. Doing the work trumps knowing what the work is or should be.

6. Context is key.

What makes someone an expert in one situation may not translate to another. Expertise is often context-specific.

7. Adapt advice to your reality.

Ignore experts if you need to—or adapt their advice to fit your goals and circumstances. What works for one person may not work for you.

8. Dive in and do it.

Overthinking doesn’t help. Sometimes you just need to take the leap, even if you don’t have everything figured out.

My first attempt at a Gateau Basque. The taste and top were nearly perfect. The bottom, not so much!

The Cooking Analogy That Keeps Me Going

When it comes to cooking, I don’t overthink it. I dive in, make mistakes, adjust, and serve it up. Sometimes the presentation is off, but it always tastes great.

That’s the same mindset I’m applying to my career shift. I might not always get it perfect, but I know it’ll turn out well in the end. And that’s what matters. 

I would encourage you to adapt the same mindset. Take action and grow, even if the results aren’t perfect at first.

Action Beats Perfection

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to know everything to get started. I’ve realized that no matter how much I learn or how many skills I master, there will always be something I don’t know. That used to paralyze me, but not anymore.

I recall advice that one of my first bosses, Priscilla Emery, gave me years ago when I was struggling with imposter syndrome when I took over a professional magazine, “You don’t need to know it all, you just need to know one or two things your audience doesn’t.”

I’m choosing action over overthinking, and you should too. The only difference between you and the expert you admire is that they started before you. So, whether it's a career move, a new project, or learning something new, just dive in. You’ll figure it out along the way.

And if you want some help crafting killer content or figuring out your next move, feel free to reach out (duhonius@gmail.com). Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to have a partner in the process.