You Only Improve by Doing: Why Action Beats Observation
In any field, experience comes from doing, not watching. The difference between progress and stagnation lies in active involvement. This lesson becomes crystal clear when comparing two contrasting examples: a doctor and a nurse, or a technician and an assistant.
Consider a doctor with just one year of experience. Despite their short tenure, they focus on surgeries every day. Each case they handle—no matter how challenging—becomes a stepping stone for improvement. Their hands grow steady, their judgment sharper. They improve the more they practice. On the other hand, a nurse with 10 years of experience remains in the same place. For years, they observe surgeries and hand over instruments, yet they never develop the skills to perform surgery themselves. Watching alone does not bring growth; doing does.
The same applies to manual labor, like installing a door. A skilled technician spends years actively honing their craft. With each door they install, they gain experience, learning how to perfect angles, balance weight, and secure fittings. Over time, they become a master in their trade. Meanwhile, an assistant works alongside the technician but only hands over tools and screws when asked. Years pass, but their skill level remains the same. Without hands-on experience, they still can not install a single door.
This principle applies to life itself. Improvement comes from direct experience. You can not understand the sun rising in the morning by simply reading about it or glancing at photos. You need to feel its warmth, see its light with your own eyes, and experience it physically. The same goes for evening sunsets or any other activity that requires skill. To truly grow and develop, you must actively engage with your hands, feet, and mind.
You do not improve by watching others or reading instructions; you improve by doing. Growth comes from trying, failing, and trying again. Action transforms potential into expertise. The path to mastery begins the moment you start doing, not observing.
You Only Improve by Doing
Difference
- Doctor with 1 Year of Experience
- Focuses on surgeries
- Improves the more they practice
- Nurse with 10 Years of Experience
- Only observes and hands tools
- Never learns to perform surgery
Installing a Door
- Technician
- Gains continuous experience
- Becomes increasingly skilled over time
- Assistant
- Only hands tools and screws when asked
- Cannot install a door even after 10 years
You Improve by Doing
- Experience
- Watch the sun rise in the morning
- Experience it physically yourself
- Watch the sun set in the evening
- To Improve Your Skills
- Don’t just watch with your eyes
- You need to try it with your hands and feet