Reading about a thing versus doing that thing

Reading about a thing is often easier than actually doing that thing, e.g., reading about how to build a business versus actually building a business.

The reading part can often feel easy, and you might have high motivation during that time. It feels like you’re getting smarter, and you might envision yourself applying that knowledge in the future — the thing you’re reading about just seems to make sense.

But then, after the reading, when you have to start doing, you might not feel such high motivation anymore. It turns out that the thing was actually harder than what you thought, and suddenly you have to start using your problem-solving skills. You feel frustrated.

After a while, this can cycle can make you feel like reading is just a distraction from actually getting stuff done. You start thinking that you should always be doing the hard work, rather than the easy work (reading). The satisfaction and entertainment you get from the reading part, might make you feel like you’re not working hard.

This is wrong, though. It shouldn’t make you not read.

If you feel like reading about something might turn out useful, but you’re being held off by the fact that it’s going to be satisfying, *stop.* You should read about it. It’s okay to feel highly motivated while reading about it, but then be on low motivation while actually doing it.

This is because reading will give you new ideas, expose you to different viewpoints, and enhance your understanding of topics. You are going to apply the stuff you read subconsciously when solving problems.

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39781465

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