One of my pastimes is to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) in weekend-sized chunks. When I tell people about this, my conversation partners often ask me whether I know of the book or film A Walk in the Woods (it’s the story of Bill Bryson, who hiked the AT in one stretch).

I haven’t read the book or seen the film, and when I tell my conversation partner this, they fervently encourage me to read/see it because “I would get so much out of it for my hikes.” This pointer reminds me of other situations – and here is why:

First of all, it’s a great way to react to a connection point. The other person is relating to my hobby. They share something from their own experience that allows us to extend our conversation. It’s a nice way to pick up a personal comment and deepen it.

I’m less convinced about the request that I should read the book or see the film. I have no doubt that it’s well written, describes experiences on the trail that I may not have had, and may also provide a new and fresh perspective on those experiences. Yet, it is just a description of an experience – whereas I am actually having the real experience. While my own experiences of the trail may not be as colorful or have the same moments that the author describes, they are nonetheless real experiences.

Here’s the general takeaway from this: There are so many opportunities for us to step into an observer role. There is plenty of literature, great movies and videos, and many other resources that tell us what we could do for anything. Getting into this observer role can be very appealing – as in the AT example – because we’re provided with a great description in a very entertaining format that is inspiring and so on. It can be so appealing to stay in this role because we’re concerned our own experiences may not live up to the descriptions of others.

For any action you consider taking, there is quite likely a video, blog, book, presentation, or someone else’s description that shows the action in a way that overshadows your own way of doing it.

Yet, it still matters far more that you take action. It matters for you and the people around you. It’s the only way to get something new done and to drive new solutions. It’s also the best way to learn and grow.

Make it real  

To all those who are reading books on innovation, gaining influence, or improving your leadership (and to you, who are reading this blog as well): Put the books away this week and take some new actions. Any small action is better than the mental exercise of coming up with the perfect theoretical approach – or being in awe of someone else who’s done it before you.

Here’s the bonus: No matter how often it was done before, you’ll see your own action in a way that no one has ever seen it before. It’s truly an innovation for you.