Learning and Doing: Finding the Perfect Balance

In the dynamic realm of personal and professional development, striking a balance between learning and doing is a nuanced art that can significantly impact your growth. This article delves into the top challenges that hinder us from applying the knowledge we gain isn’t applied to our lives, and practical remedies to guide you toward a perfect balance between learning and doing.

Applying Knowledge and Skills: 4 Common Challenges and Remedies

1. Information Overload: We Learn Too Much

In the digital age, we often encounter the overwhelming challenge of information overload. The constant influx of facts and opinions can create a maze of confusing and often contradictory information, making extracting and applying meaningful insights challenging.

One study by Oracle found that almost 80% of the global workforce struggles with information overload which results in decreased performance and increased stress. This statistic not only underscores how widespread the problem is but also highlights its real impact on people globally. It clearly demonstrates the urgent necessity for practical strategies to handle and control the overwhelming flood of information day-to-day. 

How can we reduce information overload?

• • Set Clear Learning Objectives: Define specific goals for what you’re looking to learn. Knowing what you aim to achieve helps filter out unnecessary information. Have the discipline to stop once you’ve found the information you were searching for.

• • Prioritize Information: Identify the most relevant and critical information for your goals. Focus on what truly matters and ignore the rest to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Fear of Failure: Why Bother?

The fear of failure is a looming darkness that envelops our personal and professional growth. It acts as a powerful psychological force, creating a barrier that holds us back from stepping out of our comfort zones, which is essential for overall improvement. This fear-driven anxiety can hinder our willingness to explore new ideas or take bold actions, as we’re haunted by the worry that we might not meet our own expectations or those of others. Instead of using our newfound knowledge as a catalyst for personal advancement, the fear of failure often paralyzes us, preventing us from leveraging our potential for our own betterment. 

How can we get over our fears?

• • Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Place emphasis on your effort and progress made rather than solely on the result. Celebrate each step you take towards your goals, regardless of the outcome. 

• • Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. See setbacks as opportunities for learning and adjustments rather than failures – you just found one way that didn’t work.

3. Lack of Accountability: Nobody Cares

The absence of accountability also presents a challenge in our development, hindering the true fulfillment of our acquired knowledge. Without mechanisms for responsibility, the risk of procrastination intensifies, delaying our growth. This procrastination becomes a significant obstacle, impeding the use of any newly acquired knowledge or abilities. As growth is postponed the momentum and desire from learning may dissipate. Establishing accountability is crucial in creating a proactive approach, ensuring knowledge is not only acquired but promptly integrated into practice.

How can we be more accountable?

• • Share Goals with a Colleague or Supportive Group: Communicate your goals to take action on what you’ve learned with a trusted colleague or community. Sharing your goals and scheduling regular check-ins with someone creates external accountability and encourages support.

• • Set Clear Goals with Due Dates: A goal without a deadline is just a dream. Define a specific action to take from what you’ve learned to be completed by a certain time. Creating a sense of urgency and structure to help prevent procrastination will lead to success.

4. Time Management Tug-of-War: I Don’t Have Time

Balancing the various responsibilities in our lives is always a tricky task. To use what we’ve learned and make things better for ourselves amidst all these demands, we need to be purposeful about how we spend our time. Time is limited, and once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. So, we must decide to use our time wisely and make the best use of the knowledge and skills we’ve acquired. It’s about making intentional choices to ensure we’re getting the most out of our time and abilities.

What can you do to make better use of your time?

• • Prioritize Actions: Identify and prioritize what you’ve learned recently that you desire to take action on based on its urgency and importance. Focus on high-impact actions that align with your values and goals.

• • Use Technology Wisely: Leverage tools and apps to help aid in setting time dedicated to taking action, not just learning something new. Calendar apps, task organizers, and reminders can be valuable allies.

Unlocking Potential: The Imperative of Turning Learning into Action

Acting upon our acquired knowledge is pivotal in translating potential into tangible results. It serves as the bridge connecting possibilities to practice, converting theoretical understanding into practical skills. This fundamental step is key to unlocking our full potential. Here are compelling reasons highlighting the importance of putting what we learn into action:

Knowledge Decay:

• • Information that we don’t use tends to fade over time. Without applying what you learn, your retention of knowledge diminishes, making it difficult to recall and use when needed.

Missed Opportunities:

• • Failing to apply what you’ve learned may lead to missed opportunities both personally and professionally. The potential benefits, advancements, or improvements that could arise from applying your knowledge may be lost.

Stagnation in Personal and Professional Growth:

• • Continuous learning is a key driver of personal and professional growth. Without application, your development may stagnate, hindering your ability to adapt, innovate, and progress down the path you desire.

Potential for Regret:

• • Over time, not applying what you’ve learned may lead to a sense of regret. Reflecting on missed opportunities and unrealized potential can be a source of dissatisfaction.

 

Balancing learning and doing is an ongoing but crucial process for sustained growth. Apply your knowledge, learn from your setbacks and experiences, and continually refine your approach. Remember, it’s not just about what you know; it’s about what you can do with that knowledge that makes all the difference.