Back in the 90s when the internet was new and exciting, I remember watching Friends or Seinfeld and seeing commercials that ended with a web address. I was so curious to know what was there! We finally bought our first computer and I eagerly taught myself how to use it. I learned lots of different programs. I especially loved the quick creative results I got with desktop publishing. I can still remember the day I learned to copy & paste. I think I might have heard angels sing!
I LOVE learning. It’s one of my strengths and I’m constantly looking for more or better information to improve the way I or my clients do things.
But there’s a dark side to constantly seeking “the more, the better and the new & improved.”
At least two clients in the past week have told me they know what their problem is. They even know what caused it. In neither case did having this information solve their problem.
We often think that way, don’t we? That if we could just find the piece of information that we’re missing, the problem would be solved? When you’re missing a piece of the puzzle you’re putting together, finding it makes all the difference. But the puzzle’s not complete unless you take action to place the piece in the puzzle.
I’ll be the first to admit that I tried to solve problems by getting more information. It works for a while. Or at least it feels like it works. I’ve taken loads of courses and earned plenty of certifications in various fields. Learning more relieves the anxiety of not knowing, but it doesn’t solve my problem. It doesn’t make me more courageous or confident. It’s just adding another tool to the toolbox and never really using it.
At some point, however, I’ve come to realize that there are ways where my yearn to learn can be a liability, not a strength– a clever avoidance technique.
Learning is easy. It’s a way to push back anxiety and convince myself I’m progressing. What started out as curiosity ultimately delivers a subtle message of “I’m not good enough.”
In recent months, I’ve had more than a few friends remind me that I am more than well equipped. My clients’ results support this. And I’ve had several internal nudges to stop taking in information, knowledge, etc and to focus on sharing it instead. To put “me” out there. To enter a bigger arena.
Raising my hand and telling the world I’ve got something valuable to share? Now, that is uncomfortable for this introvert. Stewarding what I’ve been taught, putting it into action and doing something differently– that’s hard–and necessary.
Uncomfortable may not be fun or easy. It may be fear-inducing or anxiety-producing, but it’s a very good place to be. Discomfort is the garden where we grow best.
Einstein said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.” In other words, knowing doesn’t solve the problem. Taking what you already have and putting it into action (even if it’s uncomfortable)–this is the beginning of change.
When have you used “needing more information” as a reason to put off doing something differently? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you solved your problem.
