It’s so easy to get stuck in “collection mode”… book-reading, podcast-listening, idea-brainstorming, conference-going, blog-hopping… and never actually make it to “application mode”.
There are lots of amazing and interesting and wise voices out there sharing great ideas, but some days, I just have to tune them out and focus on flat-out getting stuff done.
Learning from the most experienced people in the market does nothing for you if you don’t actually go out and DO SOMETHING with what you learn.
Get brave and take that first tiny baby step! You can do it!
Nicki says
I needed this reminder and God used you to remind me to get moving on His will for my writing life. Thank you for the gentle nudge! 🙂
Shar iLynne says
Ouch ouch ouch! I love this ouch! I have GOT to stop collecting. .I think I’m becoming am information hoarder! Thank you Crystal!
Meghan Macur says
Thanks for this! I’ve heard it called analysis paralysis. You get stuck thinking you don’t know enough yet, because there’s always so much more to learn. It’s crippling in big things like financial investing and small things like “Pinterest” projects. In these real estate investing webinars I listen to, the speaker always says to go take your first step after the webinar is over, and even has you type your commitment to it in the comments section. Learn so you can DO!
Dori says
OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOODNESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO ME!! (Like all of the other commenters here lol) I am information-overloaded right now and TOTALLY do-paralyzed… Maybe it’s the same as overeating or greed, but I do feel like I’ll miss out if I don’t sign up for this free webinar, or read that article, etc.. I also feel like a hypocrite of sorts. I LONG to be so productive and feel accomplished, plus I have a LOT of responsibility… Just as I was about to say how overwhelming it can be, I just remembered several of the GTD, Brian Tracy, Crystal Paine, Greg McKeown (sp?), etc people saying the worst form of procrastination is being busy with the wrong things or in this case reading/listening/watching more stuff. I am handwriting everything you wrote from the title to the end of the post…then watch Make Over Your Mornings, then DOOOO THE NEXT THING!!!
Crystal, you are such a helpful blessing!!
Leah @mylittlerobins.com says
I am learning this lesson right now, too! I had a blog idea on my heart for over a year before actually becoming brave enough to get it started. I grow the least (personally and spiritually) when I’m too comfortable. Thank you for this reminder!
Pamela says
Oh my gosh, yes. In my case it’s researching “perfect” systems to organize my work. In reality, it’s better for me to just start something and get it done, rather than trying to figure out how to create the “best” system.
I actually have a note on my desk right now to “do the work in front of you” and it’s helping a lot!
Elizabeth says
This is so me. I bought a domain back in December and I’ve spent much of the little time I have half doing things and just continuously jumping around to more advice and instruction. Eeek. It is so hard to put something out that you know is less than perfect but I know that is what I need to do.
heather says
I needed this today! I’ve been working hard on Caitlyn’s course for proofreading and researching way too much! I need to just do it and get.it.done! This post was like the Sunday sermon each week, it spoke to me 😉 keep these coming!
Melissa A says
Oh my word! How did you know I needed to hear this?! I’m so guilty of reading and researching and reading and researching and ………. whether it be learning better photography or about my Young Living oils or all the things I want to learn, I’ve been procrastinating on just DOING! Thanks for the nudge!
AMY says
Can you write some more on this topic? Specifically show how you glean information from articles, podcasts, books and apply to your life?
Crystal Paine says
Hmm, I don’t think I have any set system. I just read/listen and underline/take notes and then often share those with my husband/friends and we discuss those ideas. I will often also use those as the basis for posts or scopes.
I always try to have at least 2 specific things I’m working on in my personal life and in my business as a result of what I’m learning. And then once I feel like I’ve adequately implemented those things, I move on. If I feel overloaded with ideas, I will usually step back and not listen or read anything that’s going to encourage me to “do more”. Instead, I’ll use my reading time for fun reading — like stories and fiction — until I’ve gotten to a place where I feel like my brain has some breathing room again!
Davonne @ The Tidy Mom says
You’ve been peering over my shoulder when I’m on my laptop, haven’t you?! I feel like you just kicked my rear end to make me MOVE. Thanks, Crystal 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Should I say sorry or you’re welcome?? 😉
Julie says
Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
Lora says
I need to make following this advice my priority. As you need a year of rest, I need a year of following this advice! Much easier said than done for me! I had a job for many years finding info for other people. Now I research and research and research regarding issues I should take action on, keep accumulating more and more info instead of applying some of what I’ve found.
I’ve been a fan since about 2007, and this post hits the spot for me more than any other! Thank you!
Sarah says
Have you been watching me? 😉
I am so guilty of this. I get stuck on research mode and can lose hours finding better ways to do something, but don’t actually get anything done :\
YouTube is especially dangerous for me, is like going down the rabbit hole…
Nisha says
Thank you, needed this gentle kick in the tush?.
Victoria says
I am SO GUILTY of doing this. I have a huge love of researching. As a student I would have to set firm deadlines for how long I could research a paper before writing it. In college I even considered for a while going into researching as a career. I read the book ONE Thing at the end of last year and made a real impact on me. I cut out a lot of what you mentioned so as to focus on getting past researching and getting to getting things done –one thing at a time.