How to Avoid the Paralyzing Effect of Endless Learning.

 

Why do we idolize the role of the entrepreneur?

It’s broad. It’s sexy. It’s mysterious. It’s full of potential!

 

In this fast-paced world, many people are trying to solve the world’s problems by implementing a new idea…and make millions from it. Like the gold miners of the 19th century moving dirt one shovel at a time, every entrepreneur is just one pitch away from making millions.

The products and services entrepreneurs create and provide are often extremely valuable in society (or at least the successful ones that have passed the test are). Therefore entrepreneurs, themselves, are often seen as successful individuals known for making things happen. Possibly most importantly they’re seen to have money and status. 

But many are just toiling away. Are they really truly just one step away from making it big?

 

But Why Do We Still Put Universities on a Pedestal?

When someone decides they’re going to continue their studies at university it’s a sign seen by many as a smart move and making things happen in the world. There’s a strong sense of community, and by deciding to continue their education they are either “making it happen” or it’s already happened.

If you’re in university, you were smart enough and hard working enough to get in and, if you passed and got your degree, then you were smart enough and hard working enough for even longer to come out the other side having completed the program. 

 

Just like the title of entrepreneur; by having the title of being “at university” it is a sign to others that you are “up to something” … even if neither you nor anyone else knows exactly the final outcome just yet. But it is a claim by you and a flag to others that you will someday be of immense value to society.

University, while often highly valued in society, isn’t a viable vocational steppingstone for everyone and, for those who can’t attend, being an entrepreneur might feel like an opportunity to succeed independently while you “make it on your own”.

 

Either way both have a status based on a future outcome. The label is a sign you are making things happen and that “one day” you will be successful. Without actually having the material results of the success yet, this is the next best thing.

I remember a similar journey for myself throughout my 20s where I was thinking that if I did just one more personal development program or read just one more book then maybe I would be enough to coach someone else through their problems. I felt similarly with doing stunts: if I could have just one more course, I would be able to be of value to a film as a stuntman.

I was waiting for success to find me, but I was never taking any steps to make climb the mountain and provide value.

 

The truth is that there isn’t just one specific course that makes you enough. You have value to give at every level of experience! Sure, sometimes we need to have a specific qualification for certain tasks and that requires us to have a minimum level of learning to be responsible. But for all of us, performers, artists and entrepreneurs, the value can be provided on every level!

 

I had to ask myself: why was I avoiding putting myself out there? Was it that I didn’t want to experience the rejection? Or was it perhaps that I was just really enjoying staying in my comfort zone by the continuously learning?

What about you?

• Are you just continuously packing the car for your journey or are you actually leaving for your destination soon?
• Are you actually stepping up to provide value or are you just staying learning indefinitely because it’s a comfortable spot to be in?

 

By playing it safe, we miss out on the opportunities and experiences that come from taking a chance. True success often requires a bit of risk and a willingness to jump in, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

The action of learning can feel constructive as if you’re getting somewhere because we DO need to learn some amount before getting into action and working towards getting the results we desire. 

 

It’s very addictive to keep sharpening that sword by listening to a podcast or completing another course.

There is a huge paradox here. What gets you into one thing doesn’t guarantee you get onto the next thing.

For example, being good at dating doesn’t guarantee you’ll find the next best thing, which would be the healthy long-term relationship. Even though both are important for the final outcome – both are a completely separate skill. You can be great at job interviews, and by the time you become good at them you’re offered a job. And then you don’t practice that skill again until you lose that job, maybe years later.

 

Ironic, isn’t it? It’s a safe, familiar place to stay in the learning phase. 

But what’s the alternative? 

Get out there and start pitching! Start offering value!

Do it. Whatever it takes.

 

You can start by giving away your skills, time or information for free or at first until your schedule fills up. Then raise your value a little bit. Ask someone to buy you a coffee or dinner in exchange. Then ask for a small monetary fee. 

 

The more you do it, the more people will see you as the guy or gal who is the doer of that thing.

Are you ready? 

You’ve been ready for a while if we’re being honest, haven’t you? But you’ve been waiting for a little bit more information. That next course, label or piece of paper telling you that you’re enough.

This is your sign that you are enough. 

Just go. Do it.

 

Are you ready to overcome the hurdle you’re facing and don’t know where to start?

If you’re looking for guidance to get you on the right track to success. Let’s connect today and discuss what the next steps are for you.