You can’t read about push ups. You gotta do them.

This quote emphasizes the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge. While reading or learning about something can provide a solid foundation, it is the act of doing that brings about true understanding and mastery. Like push-ups, certain skills or experiences cannot be fully grasped by reading about them; they must be performed or lived.

The push-up metaphor is a powerful one. No matter how many books you read about the correct form, the muscles involved, or the benefits of push-ups, you won’t get stronger or see any of those benefits until you actually do them. Similarly, in life and learning, there is no substitute for direct experience. You can’t truly learn to ride a bike, cook a meal, or start a business by just reading about it. You have to get your hands dirty and learn from the successes and failures that come from doing.

In the context of today’s fast-paced world, this quote is particularly relevant. With the internet, we have access to an unprecedented amount of information. We can spend hours, days, or even years consuming content about any topic imaginable. However, this quote reminds us that to truly understand and master a subject, we must take action.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in active learning. Reading a book about public speaking won’t alleviate stage fright. Only by standing up in front of a crowd and speaking can one overcome that fear. Similarly, reading about leadership doesn’t make one a leader. Leadership is learned through leading, making mistakes, and learning from them.

In essence, this quote is a call to action. It’s an encouragement to step away from the sidelines, to stop preparing or procrastinating, and to start doing. It’s through this action, this ‘doing’, that we learn, grow, and ultimately, succeed.