I am definitely a broken record when it comes to learning by doing. You can read, and read, and read but unless you get out there and do something nothing is going to happen.

Of course we can’t act on all that we read but…I know people who read everything on self help and personal development but who have been in the same place in life for years. They certainly have the foundations to do something to improve their lives but  never act.

The online world can be another great place to get swept away by a long, windy river of information that often leads to a sea of unhappiness. Information can be drug-like in it’s effect to tease you with possibilities all the while distracting you from the actions that make those possibilities a reality.

I’m not saying don’t read. I am saying get into action. Stop analyzing and start doing. This is critical not only to your success at anything in life, but especially the success of your business. You have to start failing so you can gain the practice necessary to start succeeding.

It’s ridiculous to think that you could read a book about bicycle riding and then go out and ride a bike without falling. You can read that your feet need to go on the pedals and your hands on the handlebars, but Balance is just something you can’t learn from a book.

Bill gates may have read volumes on electrical engineering or computer science but he didn’t build Microsoft or Windows Operating System by reading books. He did it through trial and error.

Something else you wont get from reading books is a pair of balls. And, you will need balls if you are going to succeed in something. You have to confront your fear through action. It’s the only way. I recently attended a business seminar. The speaker confronted the issue of fear quite bluntly. He said, if you are shy and not used to networking at social functions or pitching your goods and services to others, “get over it.”

So, how do you get your head out of the pages and get your body into action? Here are five steps to get you started today.

1. Write down one thing you want to accomplish in the next six months.
2. Write (don’t read) down all the things you think you will need to do to accomplish that goal (don’t over think this and don’t worry about getting it perfect, do it fast, as fast as you can.)
3. Write down three things from the list you just made.
4. Take the first item on the list and begin taking whatever steps are necessary to complete this task. If you complete it move to the next two items on the list.
5. Find a group of people who have done (or are doing) what you want to do and consult with them regularly.

The last item on the list is important for a number of reasons. First, we are social creatures. If we are around other people who are doing what we want, we will seek their approval or to fit in with that group. If that means getting into action and we really want to be acknowledged by the group then we will take the appropriate actions.

Second, many, if not most of us feel a sense of competition. If in doubt about this just take a short drive on the freeway. Competition can be healthy motivation to help us achieve our goals.

Third, we need mentors. If you are reading books on personal or business development you are probably doing so because you want to learn from someone else’s experience. Why not go directly to the source and get the information first hand. Usually, regardless of the size of you city, town, or hamlet there is someone or group of people who have been where you are going or done what you want to do. Seek them out.

I’ll pick this discussion up next time when I continue with using live events to boost your business and personal development.

If you have something to say please add your comments.

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