Knowledge vs Application: Why Taking Action Trumps Perfect Preparation
#90 Mindset & System
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
Have you ever found yourself stuck in an endless cycle of preparation, convinced that just one more course or degree will finally make you "ready"? I've been there, and I've learned a valuable lesson worth sharing.
The Comfort Zone Trap
In 2011, I wanted to move to Bangalore to settle in this city with my partner. Everyone's advice was to do an MBA or a CFA to find a job in this city.
But, I wasn't able to rationalize the need for another degree. (I did attempt both, half-heartedly).
No one advised me to pack my bags and move to the city. But that seemed like a more logical thing in my mind.
My hypothesis was simple: a bigger city should have more opportunities. And to explore these opportunities, I had to get away from my comfort zone.
The 7-Day Pattern: My Personal Experience
So, I quit my job, came to Bangalore, and immersed myself in job hunting. I custom-made my resume for even remotely relevant positions. Got no response for 6 days, but on the 7th day I got hired.
The result wasn't just a job—it was the foundation for establishing myself in a new city, expanding my professional network, and creating opportunities I would have missed had I stayed put while completing another degree.
The Pattern Repeats
In 2020, I asked my youngest brother to repeat the same process. He was working with a CA in Gaya. My advice to him was to come here and do as many walk-ins as he can. It took him 7 days as well to land a better-paying job in Bangalore.
This move not only increased his income but opened doors to career advancement that simply didn't exist in his hometown.
Beyond Family: The Advice Scales
In 2023, I advised someone living somewhere in Gujarat to get out of his town, come to a bigger city, and apply for jobs.
He was endlessly watching YouTube videos and taking courses. Spending a few months preparing for Program Management Roles and then a few months on Marketing related roles.
He sent me a thank-you email, 15 days after our call with his CTC details. By taking action rather than continuing to prepare indefinitely, he achieved in two weeks what months of online learning hadn't delivered.
When More Education Does Make Sense
The advice to do an MBA/CFA or generally to up-skill is useful and good advice—in the right context. Additional credentials can certainly open doors in specialized fields or help you pivot to entirely new industries.
But to leverage these and your existing skills, you have to get out of your comfort zone and apply yourself in the real world. The most valuable education often happens through doing, not just studying.
Beyond Career Moves: A Universal Principle
This principle extends beyond job hunting. Subscribing to fitness channels, newsletters, and influencers will not magically help you build a healthy and strong body. Getting out of your comfort zone and applying those principles in real life will.
Your Turn: Making the Leap
Don't wait to perfect your knowledge—start the work, learn, and iterate. Consider:
What goal have you been preparing for without taking concrete action?
What's the smallest first step you could take toward that goal this week?
Who in your network has successfully made a similar leap that you could talk to?
Remember: Imperfect action today beats perfect action "someday."
Take care and have a great weekend.
Vivek
What action will you take today that your future self will thank you for?
If you are looking to Get Fitter and Healthier in 2025 by building some key micro habits.
You can register here: https://forms.gle/vc8ic5ZxyEkYxbQ89 to enrol in our program.