Ask Is it smart to take on projects that are slightly above your current skill level to push yourself forward?

[Brendan]

There is a common idea in freelancing that you grow faster by taking on work that stretches your abilities a little beyond where you are right now. The thinking is that you learn more by doing than by waiting until you feel fully ready. But there is also a real risk of taking on something you cannot deliver well, which can damage your reputation with that client. It is a difficult balance to find, especially when you are still building your portfolio and every project matters. Have you taken on work that pushed you beyond your comfort level, and how did it turn out?