Put The Books Down
When you have a passion for something you become one with it. That may be with art, with an idea, some sort of innovation or a goal. So you start by gathering research. You may read, listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos. Then without you even noticing months go by. Maybe even years. Yet, all you’re doing is gathering information. You’re still preparing to start. Preparing to launch.
It’s time to put down the books. Stop pressing play on the videos and podcasts.
Here’s the thing, by continually reading and gathering information, you feel like your accomplishing what you want. However, all you’re actually doing is delaying. You have a stack of books you need to read so that you’re well prepared. You have saved podcasts and other social media posts to watch and take notes on. Research and gathering information is helpful and critical, depending on the work you’re doing.
By getting through the stack of books you don’t start doing the thing. So you’re always getting ready. Well, fools are always preparing to start, as Seneca says. The best course of action is to get into the action. The best teacher there is, is experience. Even the stack of books you’re reading is the authors version of the experience. And often, the material and how it’s laid out is to sell the book.
I’ve been guilty of this myself in the past. Always getting ready to start. This blog is a byproduct of putting the books down and getting to work. I have been writing a daily blog for almost a year now. And I do not intend to ever stop.
It’s easy to be on the fence about it. Consuming the material that’s out there is helpful. It can teach us and give us different perspectives. It can be quite conflicting. As Bismarck says “Fools learn from experience. I prefer to learn from the experience of others.”
So what should you do? I think the best thing to do is start where you are and add in action as you go. It could be a simple step, something small. Then that can grow into something else. When you approach something unknown to you, the natural approach is to gather research.
That research means nothing without application. That is what you must do. Apply what you find, see what works and what doesn’t. Make adjustments and continue. So for a time, hit pause on the podcasts and videos. Put a bookmark in the book, walk away, and get to work. Your vision will only come to life with your participation.
Thought Provoking Questions : What do you need to apply to get closer to your vision?
Dan Roman is a writer that releases a daily meditation. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions. Influenced by the obstacles, success and failures in life and of others. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These writings are actionable, thought-provoking, designed to make your life better.
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