The majority of us have thoughts of doing something in this life, beyond the work we’re doing or over and above it. Possibly it’s something you’ve never done before or something you might need to learn a certain skill before you can do it. You might have possibly gone ahead and enrolled for a course, or are still thinking about it. Taking that first step of equipping yourself is very important in gaining confidence and upskilling, however, this can also quickly degenerate into an endless spiral of learning and trying to become more prepared.
Can you really learn it all?
How much learning and or planning is enough? Someone once said that it doesn’t take a black belt to teach a white belt. There are many other colors of belts in between that can teach the white belt. Just like a grade 6 child can teach a grade 4 child, because they know a little more than the younger child. A one-year-old employee can teach the new employee some skills for the same reason.
Some of us read motivational book after motivational book, listen to podcast after podcast, and attend seminars and webinars, in pursuit of motivation, skills, and knowledge to become more. To become a better version of ourselves. We are always posting on our social media and LinkedIn profiles the good ideas we’ve come across, and life hacks we think can help us get ahead. We share photos and videos of ourselves attending these events and share key learnings. While this is good and important to keep us accountable, or afloat and motivated, we need to get beyond the momentary highs that we get from these pockets of excitement or knowledge.
Why we don’t take action
Which was the last seminar or webinar you attended with the thought that this would change your life? Or which course did you last take in the hope that this would be it? Did it? Unfortunately, the majority of us even forgot what we learned, we might remember the feeling we had when we were in the moment and the resolutions we wanted to make, but for sure the energy dwindled and even got lost. A majority of us don’t take action and end up procrastinating or getting caught in the loop of learning. Some of the reasons why we don’t take action include;
- Fear of failure – we are afraid of the unknown, afraid to fail. This is even more true when you are much older. There’s more to lose when you are older than when you were young. Others are relying on you and therefore you become afraid of making mistakes or spoiling your reputation.
- Comfort zone – we are creatures of habit and prefer to stay within our comfort zones. It is easier to choose to stay in a bad environment or to keep the status quo than to move to a space of unfamiliarity. Change can be stressful, and it’s easier to remain within your comfort zone. You’ve possibly used the phrase “It’s better the devil you know than the angel you don’t”.
- Lack of self-confidence – your self-confidence is put to the test when faced with something you have little or minimal experience. At times, the confidence required is through self-belief and has nothing to do with external forces or capabilities.
- Perfectionism – we set the bar too high for ourselves that it becomes impossible or difficult to attain. Very few people are able to do it right the first time. Give yourself some space to fail, Perfectionism will only enhance the fear of taking action
- External pressure – other people’s expectations can deter you from growth or movement. We are all surrounded by societal norms where society expects you to comply with their norms, against which, you’ll be considered queer. Most people around you are not looking to see you succeed, since they’re in silent competition with you. They don’t wear the same shoes as you and do not have the same ambitions or desires as you, so why conform to the norms that are not yours?
Where do you start?
Sometimes, all it takes is for you to simply start doing. Stop all the learning, stop all the excuses, and just start. You don’t need to know everything. No successful businessman or inventor knew everything when they began their ventures, they just started. I know sometimes we over-emphasize knowing your goals, and having a target, and many times, that can leave you feeling paralyzed as most of the time you’re not entirely certain where you’re going.
They say the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, and that is all it takes. Take that one step that you know how to take, and the next step will appear, then the next, and the next, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way. Do you want to start a business? Just start, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Want to change careers? Star learning the ropes and volunteer, start from where you are, and act the part. Want to become a creative? Start, with the resources available to you. Social media is readily available for free, use it – face your fear.
If you are familiar with the good book, where Moses, used the same rod he had used to herd his father-in-law’s cattle to shepherd the Israelites from Egypt and used it to undertake all the miracles that he did. The same rod was used in the wilderness to lead them with authority until the demise of Moses. (*The rod conveys the concept of authority, power, discipline, and defense for sheep). Moses was never trained in leadership skills, neither was he trained in how to appear before kings. He simply used the tool he had always had next to him – the rod. We too come fully equipped with talents and skills we need to do what we so designed to do, and ours is to use, nurture and grow them.
So stop looking out there for a solution, the solution is within you. Just start.
