Estimated reading time: 5 minutes, 13 seconds
Would you rather be known for talking about doing the thing or actually do the thing?
Talkers have intentions, whereas doers have evidence.
Do the thing.
Today’s illustration is a brand new one:
I like pristine notebooks as much as the next person.
But I'd rather have a battered journal filled with growth, ideas and reflections than a beautiful one I've never used.
Be a doer, not a talker.
Despite not knowing the origins of this quote, I’m sure it’s one you’ll benefit from reading:
“The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.”
We can spend a lot of time researching, planning and talking about what we're going to do.
But eventually, there's only one thing left to do:
Do the thing.
Talking about doing something can sometimes become a substitute for actually doing it.
I've certainly experienced that.
But I find I'm most aligned when I'm practising what I talk about: creating things, journalling and actively trying to get wiser.
I can confidently encourage you to journal because I have 70+ journals filled with evidence that I do it myself.
Doing the thing gives you something talking never can: evidence, a track record.
So, how do you become a doer?
Here are 3 tips to shift from talker to doer:
Make doing easier.
Shape your environment around the behaviour.
Want to become a runner? Put your running shoes by the door.
Want to start journaling? Keep your journal in your pocket.
Want to create more? Find a way to always have your creative tools on you.Remove as many barriers between you and doing the thing as possible.
Surround yourself with doers.
They say that you are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with.
Spend time with people who aren't just talking about their ambitions, but are pursuing them.
Action has a way of becoming contagious.
Collect the evidence.
Track the days you show up.
Publish your work.
Log your runs.Fill your journals.
Give yourself something you can look back on and say: I am someone who does this.
Your evidence doesn't need to impress anyone else.
Sometimes you just need it to remind yourself.
Let’s dive deeper into today’s wisdom with these 3 journal prompts:
Have I been more of a talker or a doer lately?
What’s the thing that I truly want to do?
How could I start collecting evidence that I'm doing it?
Today’s resource is another book: Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon.
Kleon's short book encourages creatives to stop waiting until everything is perfect and start sharing what they're actually doing.
It's particularly useful if you want to build a visible body of work, but the principles can relate to so much more.
Don't just tell people what you're going to make. Start showing them.
Consider checking out your friendly local bookstore for a copy. Alternatively you can learn where to purchase one online here:
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Catch you in the next issue!
Thanks,
Michael