The Power of Both: Being a Thinker and a Doer

“You gotta do both” says Freedom Sage in his video. He explains it better than I would. Give it a listen if you really want an answer to this question.

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Let’s ascribe this to the concept of making dinner: if you think somebody is going to make dinner for you, it is logical that you accept what they serve you. On the other hand, if you make dinner for yourself, it is likely, over time, that you will enjoy more what you prepare.

The two are connected in a seesaw. While we are not doing something, it is likely that we are thinking, and while we are doing something, we must be thinking visually moment by moment as to the efficacy of the action. Chances are we think more than we do, for our waking hours are often more than we sleep. If we sleep while doing something, we may not be aware of where we are...

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Well, if you mean that we can “only think” or “only do,” I can’t answer. I hope you mean a deep thinker or a go-getter as I would call it. I think we as a race do too much and don’t think at least not enough. We generally have more than we need; just look at what we call ‘necessity'; it’s almost everything. So, my answer would be a thinker.

Understanding the Duality of Thought and Action

Human beings are complex beings, and our daily lives are the perfect illustration of this complexity. Thought and action are the two core components of our existence. The ability to think and the courage to act are both essential aspects of our development and progress.

Imagine a child learning to ride a bike. Without the initial thought and planning, the child wouldn't know what to do. But without the action, the child wouldn't learn to balance and control the bike. Both thought and action are equally important.

Considerations for Whom to Be

The question of whether it is more beneficial to be a thinker or a doer is subjective and context-dependent. In some situations, being a deep thinker can be advantageous, especially in complex problem solving and strategic planning. However, in practical scenarios, the ability to act and take meaningful action can lead to significant progress and success.

Striking a Balance

It is important to recognize that a balance between thought and action is crucial for personal and professional development. Being overly analytical and hesitant to take action can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. Conversely, rushing into action without proper consideration can result in mistakes and suboptimal outcomes.

A balanced approach involves honing both skills. For example, a deep thinker can synthesize information and make informed decisions, while a go-getter can implement these decisions with speed and efficiency.

The Role of Practice and Experience

Practice and experience play a crucial role in developing and refining both thought and action. With consistent practice, individuals can improve their ability to think critically and innovatively. Moreover, experiential learning provides valuable insights and real-world application of both skills.

Successful individuals often possess a combination of both qualities. They are not just thinkers or just doers, but they are both. For instance, a CEO of a tech company not only needs to have a clear vision (a thinker) but also the ability to execute the plan (a doer). Similarly, a doctor requires strong analytical skills to diagnose and treat patients (thinker) and the capability to perform surgeries and care for patients (doer).

Encouraging a Healthy Mindset

To encourage a healthy mindset where both thought and action are valued and practiced, it is essential to create a supportive environment. Organizations and institutions can promote a culture that celebrates both intellectual curiosity and practical implementation. Equally, individuals can cultivate self-reflection and self-discipline to develop and balance these essential skills.

Conclusion

The age-old question of whether it is better to be a thinker or a doer cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The reality is that both skills are crucial and necessary for personal and professional growth. It is the balance between thought and action that leads to meaningful progress and success. Freedom Sage's belief in “doing both” underscores the importance of integrating these two essential aspects of our lives.