“Knowing what to do and not doing it is the same as not knowing what to do.”

Robin Sharma

I’ve been trying to learn some new skills and have quickly realised that knowing is not the same as doing. 

You can read all the books in the world and watch all the lectures, but until you get out there and practise, you don’t own the skill.

For example, if you read the best books on tennis without ever playing tennis, would you be a good tennis player? 

So why in the world of work or business are we quick to assume we can acquire “soft skills” like leadership or managing difficult conversations from merely reading books or taking lectures. Knowledge is a good primer, and we need a base knowledge for any skill. I am referring to the point where we cling to gaining more knowledge almost as a form of procrastination to avoid the harsh reality. We feel like we are doing something, but it’s not the real thing.

Action is the key—action by practising in real-life scenarios. 

Reflection 

• What is one change I can make to my daily routine to support a mindset change from thinking I need more knowledge, to what I need, which is taking more action?
  
• How can I create more time to practise today?