Consuming is easy. Creating is hard.
It feels good to collect intellectual prizes. When you finish a book, bookmark a Twitter thread, or watch a TED-Talk YouTube video, you feel like you have accomplished something. And you have.
But the danger is that you keep collecting these intellectual prizes at the expense of real action. Consuming signals progress, but isn’t real progress afterall.
The gap between knowledge and action is widening thanks to the increase in information available on social media. The internet has made is easy to acquire all the knowledge you can - and the attractive part is, it’s practically free!
Let’s call this knowledge acquisition “Phase 1”.
Then comes “Phase 2” - the ability to execute, take action, and perform. This is where you deal with your emotions like self-doubt, fear of failure and self-discipline. This is where your competence and confidence start to grow. This phase is your real teacher.
So what is it about Phase-1 that that we keep coming back to it repeatedly?
I have worked with over 20 clients till date to realise that the most common reason we keep coming back to Phase-1 is because it’s easy and comfortable. Passive learning keeps you thinking that you have done something useful. It’s safe.
As we continue to avoid Phase-2, the gap keeps building. The more we get distracted from real action, our abilities start to deteriorate even further. Compound effect works here too, albeit not in favour of our growth. This tempts you to remain on Phase-1 for even longer and the vicious cycle continues.
The cost of inaction is too high.
Self-help books are great (I read a lot of those), but executing what you learn is more important. Failing from those executions is what will teach you a better way of approaching that piece of knowledge. Same applies to a TED Talk or a seminar you attended at work.
How do we close this gap?
The next time you find yourself blocked from taking action, consider these suggestions:
#1 Show up
The next time you finish a book, pick one takeaway and implement it. It does not matter how small or big the act is.
#2 Stop the ‘Monday motivation cycle’
Stop reserving things on your to-do list to be started on the forthcoming Monday or the 1st day of the next month. Start small, but start immediately.
#3 Progress over imperfection
Progress is messy. Progress is non-linear. Progress is imperfect. But progress is always better than inaction.
#4 Be accountable
Consistency needs accountability. When you can’t rely on yourself, find an accountability partner at work or at home.
#5 Reflect and adjust
Regularly assess your progress. Reflect on what's working and what's not to adjust your approach.
The knowledge-action gap is a common hurdle for most people, but it's one that we can overcome. By setting clear intentions, not overthinking about perfect outcomes, and holding ourselves accountable, we can transform knowledge into meaningful action.
Less bookmarks, more action.
Keep going. See you next week.
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I coach overachievers and help them seek happiness at work and play.
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Always rooting for your success,
Zubin 👋