With Doing Comes Learning

I just wrapped up a coaching call with a client and we were discussing productivity strategies for 2020. At the end of the conversation, she says to me:

“Can you send me some more information about productivity?”

I asked, “Did you happen to listen to those podcasts I sent you on Growth Mindset a few weeks ago?”

“No,” she replied sheepishly.

“You don’t need more information about productivity. You need to start being more productive.“

Yes, this might sound harsh to you, but in a nutshell, there are two reasons why we don’t act:

1 – We don’t know what to do
2 – We know what to do, but we don’t do it

In my experience, it’s typically much more the latter than the former. It’s why coaching should include strategy (what to do) and accountability (making sure it gets done).

Trust me, I’ve been there myself. I love to learn and grow and develop, but there comes a point where it has to translate into decided action.

You don’t need to research the latest, greatest exercise program. You need to start exercising.

You don’t need to analyze the best sales strategies. You need to start selling.

You don’t need to read about how to be more confident. You need to start acting more confidently.

I’m not saying to throw blind caution to the wind–a certain amount of knowledge in an area is obviously beneficial. But experience is always the best teacher.

It’s part of the reason I was so happy to have spoken 51 times this year. Throughout this process, my microphone and projector stopped working (multiple times), my keynote speech time was cut in half five minutes before I took the stage, a student screamed an obscenity during a high school presentation and many, many more.

I could have had all the information, and done all the research and studying in the world, but nothing would have prepared me for these situations. With doing comes learning.

If you’ve held back on something because you thought you weren’t “ready;” you are. Start being it. Start doing it.

Keep Outperforming!