When we want to get better at something or become more comfortable the natural reaction is to focus fully on this thing. To “study” to get better. After all, if we understand ourselves and how to improve in something we’ll get better at it, right?
This is the model that is laid out in most schools. You want to get better at something? Learn everything there is to know about it. Engross yourself in books and become knowledgeable. An expert, even.
But what if instead of trying to become an expert on it we just did it? We stopped thinking so much about it and just got some experience. Sure, you don’t stop learning and trying to grow, but instead of being so mechanical and separated from the work, do the work and learn as you go.
I’ve found that when I focus on outward skills, inwardly, I gain much more knowledge than if I had separated myself from the problem. You see the same thing with language, the more we can focus on others and learn from them instead of internalizing everything, the faster we will pick up the skill/language/idea.
Next time you want to learn something, what if you went out and did it? See where you’ll grow more, doing it, or thinking about and studying it.