The Learning Trap

I used to have a tremendously bad habit at work. 

I would get a new job and spend my time learning through training manuals. I would choose to forgo time dedicated to doing the job in a safe, training environment to read more of this material. 

Ultimately, this would get me nowhere. None of the knowledge from the training would stick due to my fear of applying it. 

Now, I find myself actively discouraging the very same behavior. 

Just to find myself doing it in my personal life. 

I find myself creating work to avoid the actual jobs that need to be done.

Don’t fall into this trap. 

Yes, learning the fundamentals can shortcut some hard lessons—but only up to a point. Eventually, “knowing more” becomes avoidance masquerading as progress. 

The only way you truly learn is through experience. 

A lesson so old it was taught by Confucius. 

Had I known this, I could have avoided years of wasted energy on learning and progressed through doing. 

I KNOW this—yet still fall victim to it now. 

So I’ll remind us both: 

The only way YOU will make progress is by doing the damn thing. 

What are you waiting for?