Inspired Life: Are You a Learning Junkie?
In this issue, we’re wrapping up a series on productivity, procrastination and simplifying. In the next issue. I’m going to feature a guest on the podcast. So be sure to check issue 13!
Sometimes we think we need more information. Another tool. Another webinar. We spend money on conferences and courses, and books, and memberships. We purchase apps and templates. But the real question is, do we eventually get to our goals? If not, could it be possible that we’re more addicted to learning than to taking action?
You Don't Need Another Course or Workshop
Maybe it’s that there is some fear standing in the way, and perpetual learning feels safe.
What if we took action in order to figure out where the gaps in our learning are, rather than wasting time re-learning something we already know?
For example. If I decided I wanted to write fiction, but I already have a lot of mechanics when it comes to writing, it doesn’t make sense for me to continue going to conferences to take the same fiction writing course over and over. What if I go ahead and start writing, and then evaluate what isn’t strong enough? I might discover that I am weak on dialogue and I just need to find a resource that helps me to write more realistic conversations between characters. Or maybe I’ll find out I need to learn how to write more descriptively.
You Have Enough to Start
Moving ahead is the only way I’m going to know if I have enough information. I wonder why I still think I have to know everything before doing something.
It’s this way with diets, too. I know exactly what I need to do sometimes, but I simply don’t do it. Yet, I think reading another book or starting a new plan is the solution. Eventually, I’m going to be broke, but still overweight and flabby! Unless...
I get moving.
Are you in with me?
Life, Repurposed: Live Without Any Regrets
I have a feeling you have what you need to get 90% of the way finished with your next big step. Or 50%. Or 25%. Imagine how it would feel to get 25% of the way to your goal and then pause for more learning, rather than getting 0% of the way but with all of the resources to do it!
I have collected bins full of notes from writers conferences. See just one of the many in the image here on this post. I had every intention of reviewing them again, making a plan, etc. Most of them I have never reviewed again. But I have taken some action steps and have continued with my goals. I did stop collecting more notes, and I started taking action based on some of what I already know. Along the way, I have gained more knowledge and grown in my skills. But imagine if I was still attending conferences every year and taking notes on the same things over and over.
Don't Just Listen; Do Something
James 1:22-25 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
Whether it’s learning how to love people, be more like Jesus, have patience, be a better writer, or get healthier, there is truth to apply from that verse. It has to be about more than a want-to, and eventually about action. That can be tough to acknowledge. We want to find someone to blame for our inaction, but really, we’re the ones in charge of our next step.
What will yours be?
Let's live without regrets!
Recommended Resources
Blue Sky Planner (or another planner system of your own choosing)
I love pretty planners. I am more of a digital gal now, but I still can't resist a beautiful one-year day planner.
This week, instead of sharing a book, or a DVD or a webinar, I want to challenge you to act on what you already know. The best way I have found to do that is to plan out action time. So whether it's writing some commitment times in your day planner or in your digital calendar, I encourage you to block out that time. And make it non-negotiable. If someone needs something from you, tell them you have a prior commitment - to you!
I love this planner: Day Designer for Blue Sky 2018-2019 Academic Year Weekly & Monthly Planner, Flexible Cover, Twin-Wire Binding, 8.5" x 11", Peyton White Design
[affiliate link included] There are SO many to choose from. And they come in several sizes. If it takes having a beautiful planner to help you accomplish setting aside time to take action, then I'll be your biggest cheerleader!
When you send a direct message on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, tell me something you’ve noticed from my bio that we have in common. I love to get to know new people through those private chats!
Have you reviewed the podcast yet? I’d love if you would leave a review on iTunes or Google plus. Be sure to follow so you can get each episode on your podcasts when it is released.
Or here on my website you can sign up to get an email every time an episode comes out. Subscribe to Monthly Blogzine
(Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) *This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.