For three quarters of my life I focused on filling my knowledge bucket up. With more and more facts, data, and information. More certifications, accreditations, and qualifications. Desperate for the validation ‘knowing’ would give me.
Sure, each bite of knowledge gave me a dopamine hit. Addicted I was to fill my brain with information. Because “knowledge is power” right?
Then I started to wonder why it didn’t feel fulfilling/satisfying/enough. The knowledge bucket was getting heavy. Why wasn’t it all just clicking into place? Why wasn’t I leveling up as fast as I wanted to? What was I missing (because surely the problem was me)?
Then I became aware, through several connections being made, many synapses firing seemingly all on their own! That the answer wasn’t more knowledge. Because certifications/accreditations/qualifications equals “I’m good at learning and understanding that thing”.
But knowledge does not magically equate to ability/proficiency. It’s not an automatic download/install/implement situation.
It’s actually about practice, about translating information into reality. Doing, not just reading/listening/learning. Doing, not just thinking/conceptualising/imagining.
Because guess what?
It’s not what you know. It’s what you do with that knowledge that counts.
Ouch. That one hurt.
I’ve spent a lot of time/money/hope-for-validation on gaining more knowledge. Now you’re telling me I should have been spending time/effort/energy on putting it into practice as well? I’m tired already. Do you know how much knowledge I’ve got up in here?
BUT, (just give me a moment to get down off this panic button)…
You’re right. It’s not enough to just know something. The meaning is in the doing. AI? Great for answers, information, even having a half decent chat when you’re lonely. But it’s what you DO with that info that counts.
The key to unlocking or activating knowledge? Your sensemaking. Sensemaking allows you to translate knowledge into meaningful action. You still need to do the heavy lifting. But your sensemaking takes it from abstract to possible. From possible to plausible. From plausible to doable. And from doable to actually doing the damn thing.
Sensemaking is about creating space for reflection, listening, and exploring meaning beyond conventional information.
Facilitation, coaching, and workshops – designed for practical application – engages your sensemaking in order to make knowledge real.
Mum – you know how you keep asking what it is I actually do…? Well, that’s what I do.
I facilitate/encourage/accelerate other people’s sensemaking. So they can close that pesky knowing-doing gap.
Key takeaway:
- I’m not saying ‘stop learning’ (please – never stop learning)
- I’m saying choose what you want to double click on and
- Get intentional about putting it into practice
- Oh, and don’t assume knowledge equals ability
Ellie Mason Consulting 