As a leader I’ve found that It’s much easier to educate a doer than it is to activate a thinker.
— AndyStanley (@AndyStanley) August 22, 2012
When I first read that statement, a feeling of failure and not being part of the cool crowd hit me. I am well aware of my tendency toward thinking induced paralysis. I am also a person that likes to make things and accomplish goals. So that statement made my brain kick into high gear. If I’m not out doing 24–7 then I must be a failure. There are times I wish I had a different mental and emotional makeup so that doing would be easier.
I am also learning and constantly reminding myself that it’s not one or the other. I can’t erect an unscalable wall between the two areas. We don’t need doers and thinkers. We need doing thinkers and thinking doers. We have to find that balance between acting and analyzing. I could swing to the other side of the continuum and start doing a lot of things, but there is a long list of reasons why that wouldn’t be wise.
I think the answer can be found in the book of Hebrews. The author encourages his readers:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24–25
So instead of us drawing lines, why don’t we encourage each other to achieve that needed balance. When my outgoing and active brothers and sisters see me failing to act, they should encourage me and walk with me to get me doing again. And when I see a brother or sister running themselves to death, let me come alongside and help them evaluate and slow down.