Which Type of Learner Are You?

Are you learning by doing or learning by watching?

If you are a high achiever, you probably love to learn.
You have seen that growth leads to better results.
Learning helps you win.

In my experience, there are two kinds of learners.
Those who learn by doing.
And those who learn by watching.

Both are good.
Both are needed.
And most of us have a strong preference.

I see this clearly in my own family.
My older brother is a learn by doing guy.
Do not give him a book.
Do not send him a video.
He just jumps in and figures it out.
That is how he learns.
That is how he wins.

Then there is me.
Before I do anything, I want to study it.
Give me the book.
Show me who is doing it best.
Let me understand the why behind the how.

Here is the truth.
There is wisdom in both approaches.

If you learn by doing, you get reps.
You take action.
You move the ball forward.
And that matters.

But if you only learn by doing, you might make mistakes you could have avoided.
Sometimes slowing down to watch others saves you time, pain, and energy.
That is wisdom.

On the other hand, if you learn by watching, you gather insight.
You understand concepts.
You feel prepared.

But if you never act, you never really know.
You can sit behind a screen and convince yourself you understand something.
But understanding only becomes real when you do.

That is the tension.
Doing and watching.
Action and wisdom.

Neither is better.
Both are required.

This Week’s Challenge

First, identify your tendency.

If you are a learn by doing person, take half a beat this week.
Pause just long enough to gather wisdom.
Listen to a podcast.
Have a conversation with someone who is winning where you want to win.
Then go do the thing better.

If you are a learn by watching person, it is time to move.
Get out of the chair.
Test a theory.
Try something you have been studying.
Get real world reps.

In both cases, you will grow.
You will learn faster.
And you will be better set up to win.

Both styles are gifts.
The key is knowing when to lean into the other side.

Now let’s go win the week!

Watch this week’s Pep Talk video to hear the full message and join the huddle.

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