Do you ever get this feeling…

That you need to learn just ONE MORE thing before you can start teaching other people what you know?

Do you ever tell yourself that just ONE more course or getting ONE extra qualification would change everything?

Or do you get so absorbed in videos, books and training that time flies by without you doing anything constructive?

I totally understand this…

Because I’m the same.

You see, I was a terrible student at school. I don’t know why – I just couldn’t focus.

I much preferred to be at home reading a book or lazing around watching TV.

But much to my surprise, I now LOVE the process of learning because I’ve found the subjects I enjoy.

I’d happily spend all day devouring training and intel on all my favourite topics.

I’m always being drawn in by the lure of a new tool… new technique… new theory…

However, as much as I’d like to, I simply CANNOT spend all day consuming other content.

Because I need to create my own, teach – AND run a business at the same time.

So today I have some surprising advice for you.

When You Need to STOP Learning

This sounds counterintuitive to say for a course creator like me to say…

After all, I’m all about online education!

However, I have to say that there’s a time for learning…. and then time for getting on with work towards your goals.

So if you are the kind of person who keeps putting projects off until you’ve ‘just read that book’, or ‘taken that course’, or ‘watched that video series’…

Then I challenge you to stop learning and just do it!

For example, here’s how I get myself out of the ‘excuse cycle’…

I now prioritise creation over consumption (I believe that term originally came from Marie Forleo, so thank you Marie for putting it so succinctly).

To do this, I plan out my day (or a working session) and ensure that I get the important creative work done first – that includes brainstorming, planning, writing, filming etc.

After that, I ensure I get essential tasks done – the functional stuff like sending emails, meetings, admin etc.

Only then do I allow myself a little bit of consumption (as a treat!) – reading a book or an article, watching some videos or taking part in an online summit.

It sounds simple but it works.

It’s important to schedule that creative work when your brain is working at its best (for me, that’s in the morning but you might be different).

Next, schedule tasks that you need to do in order to progress, but which don’t require masses of brainpower.

Finally, leave the consumption for the period when you are less focussed.

Batching works!

I also recommend you group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated sessions.

For example, spend one session brainstorming and outlining content ideas, then use the next session to flesh out these ideas into structured formats.

This keeps your mind in a consistent flow for that session, rather than flitting between different things.

If you are unsure about how to plan your sessions an AI tool like Chat GPT can come in handy.

Use this prompt: “Help me plan my working [insert relevant timescale] to prioritise creation (planning, research, writing, editing, tech) over consumption [training, advice, reading).”

AI can also help with shorter sessions, for example, where you might only have an evening or morning.

“I have a X hour work session where I need to [insert main objective]. Give me a schedule that prioritises creation (planning, research, writing, editing, tech) over consumption (training, advice, reading). Also prioritise the tasks that require most focus and concentration.”

For example: “I have a 3 hour work session where I need to create a lead magnet report. Give me a schedule that prioritises creation (planning, research, writing, editing, tech) over consumption (training, advice, reading). Also prioritise the tasks that require most focus and concentration.”

Then simply follow the plan and try to stick to the timings!

If, like me, you really love learning, training and reading about new things, then you could use it as a reward for achieving certain milestone targets.

For instance, if you get your first course drafted up and edited, then you could reward yourself with a ‘training week’, where you can spend every day absorbing new info and falling down YouTube rabbit holes.

And just remember – there is no perfect time to get cracking on course creation.

There is always something extra to know, a tool you could use, or a skill you could learn…

But you won’t get to your goal unless you make the decision to stop preparing and just go for it!

If you’d like further help with planning, then I’ve got a great resource you can download from here (it’s free!) : The Ultimate Planning Workbook (PDF)