Think vs. Do

It’s easy to read a book, listen to music, and watch movies – sometimes we need to zone out, gain information, or learn something new. However, if we aren’t taking action, then we’re not going to be applying what we learn. Ultimately, that knowledge will likely get forgotten when not used.

It’s great to learn, but it’s also important to contribute. We often take for granted the knowledge we have, or perhaps, we want to keep that knowledge to ourselves because we want an edge over others. While it’s beneficial to have that edge over others – but I also believe that when we share, we can better the environment. Furthermore, I believe that it also keeps us learning and prevents being lazy because we can’t rely on information, skills, and techniques that may become unknowingly outdated.

These days, it’s difficult to find the time – this is especially true with typical modern work schedules, having kids, and working full time. When we make a list of priorities, it’s not just enough to want to see results and hope that they happen – it takes a lot of determination and a reasonable plan to make things work. It also takes time for adjustment as well – schedules and new plans are going to need some tweaks. If something doesn’t work, then we shouldn’t throw important goals out the window, but rather, adjust them so they are more obtainable.

Optimizing our schedules and knocking two birds with one stone are great ways to save time. Listening to podcasts while exercising, exercising at home, reading during a commute, etc., are great ways to save time instead of spreading ourselves too thin by creating a schedule that has us putting in more time than necessary.

Modern society teaches us that busy is good – and this can be really frustrating. While it’s great to be productive, there’s a fine line to be walked that may bring us into exhaustion. If we’re busy and exhausted we may have some false pride in that we are being efficient or useful. Burnout and exhaustion leave us creating mediocre work and results.

Think and Do should balance each other out - two sides of a successful coin. It's good to keep in mind that we must be learning in order to properly contribute. Also, we must contribute in order to understand the results and what we may need to learn next.

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