The great end of life is not knowledge but action.

(Quote attributed to T.H. Huxley)

I love to learn.

I love schools, desks, books, and good teachers.

I’m the type who is always enrolled in one class or another, and it could be anything from how to sing harmony, to optimizing search for local business, to identify edible wild plants.

I love the entire learning experience.

Sometimes, though, learning is just one more way to avoid action.

Rather than do the work, I can justify a delay while I learn more about the project.

Rather than go to the gym, I can watch YouTubes of exercise sets.

Rather than control my eating, I can read a book about the newest diet.

True story: One morning, I was at my desk reading a book on how to be a better father. My son walked up and asked a question. I told him we could talk later, that I needed to finish reading first.

Many times, I’d be better off just acting on what I already know. My children won’t always be there waiting for me to be ready to listen. I need to be there for them now.

Action is the great end of knowledge.

Roadturn Challenge: What is there that you’ve been thinking about, studying about, asking people about that you really could do without collecting more information? Set a deadline for yourself and keep it. Decide to act.

Roadturn Principle: Much of the time, we know what to do. The real problem isn’t lack of knowledge; it’s lack of action.

Let’s talk about it.