We learn who we are in practice, not theory
Hello!
And welcome back to sketchy ideas. The newsletter whose New Year’s resolution is to not set a resolution this year — I think we just might pull this one off.
As you read this my family and I are currently flying back to England for an extended stay over the holidays.
I’m travelling fairly light but I did bring a couple of pens and notebook in addition to my iPad.
What sketching tools do you take when you fly?
Any way let’s get into the usual sections.
Inspiring links
Tips for presenting from Hermen Berenbroek
See how PJ Milani makes a visual in this Timelapse - Twitter/X
Explore the three buckets of courage in this sketchnote and reel from Tanmay Vora
“We learn who we are in practice, not in theory”
We learn who we are in practice, not in theory. - Herminia Ibarra, professor of organizational behaviour at London Business School.
I came across this quote thanks to David Epistein’s book Range.
What identities are in your social profile?
Maybe it's a job title, perhaps a family role, maybe you eschew all that and put a hobby there?
Whatever you have, it's likely something you care about a lot and have spent a lot of time doing. It's rare for people to claim an identity they have zero experience in (although fraudsters will).
And yet, it can be tempting to try to theorise ourselves into a new identity.
If we want to change career, develop a new skill or start a new hobby, 99% of people turn to books, YouTube and other educational content as their first step. And sadly that's where most people stay.
Unsurprisingly, most of these goals never materialise.
The alternative? Just try it.
If you want to write a book, try writing a single page for one possible chapter. If you don't have a topic for a book, then start a blog, write regularly and find that topic.
That's how I got started with sketchnoting and drawing. I made this little notes for myself to help me remember concepts I learned. At first, I was terrible! My drawing sucked, I ran out of space and I couldn't read my handwriting. But I enjoyed it.
So I kept at it, and while I'm still not an amazing illustrator, my pictures are much better.
But I never would have got there if I had tried to read or think my way into being a sketchnoter.
What's the smallest experiment you could do to test a new identity out?
See you next week
I that’s all for this week.
I’ve got some special treats for the end of the year (if I get them finished in time.) and I’m really excited about seeing friends and family.
What are you excited about at the moment?
Leave a comment or send me an email. I’d love to know.
Chris