If we were to stop and listen, everyday in our lives, we would be reminded of important lessons that make us successful in our endeavours. I for one learn a lot from my kids because it is unblemished human nature in full visibility. Piaget's theory of child development, I believe is based on his own experiences and introspection as a result of his interactions with his own children to a large part. So here's my recent experience.
The last couple of weeks I have been blessed to be watching over my children all day long. They are 6, 10 and 14 year old girls. My work life has gone topsy-turvy in these few days. Although I must admit that my personal life is a lot better. I wish I didn't have to work and could be with these kids all the time until they grow up. Now that would have been a wonderful goal to have set years ago. But that discussion is for another time.
My children are not used to being alone doing nothing. And I'm not used to managing them. For all this while I had been spouting instructions - do this, do that, this is the reward, this is the punishment. And pretty much failing at getting much traction. Most of the time they'd be grumpy and so would I. None of the standard advice on management and leadership really worked with my children. And I am reasonably smart. Trust me when I say I applied a lot of theory into practice. And they did not work.
Then I discovered the power of playing with them. Not exactly playing parts, but actually demonstrating to them how they might be able to do certain things rather than telling them to do it. Of course they know how to jump on a trampoline. They also know how to read a book. And they do know card games. But it was that act of being with them, hand-holding, walking with them into activities that really got them started in engaging independently with things besides watching the television.
We often do not realize that the difference between insight and action lies in an experience with a trusted partner. There are so many things that we do not do that we want to do, but never get around to doing them for some obscure reason. Looking back into our life experiences we should realize that no matter how competent a person is, for certain actions, it becomes so much easier when someone else is walking with you, hand-holding you, and getting things done until such time that you're ready to continue on your own.
If something is important to you, and you're not making progress, I think it is very important to find a partner and do it together. You can pay for it or look online. There are so many ways available now a days to find the right person or group to match up with in order to make progress. Make a proactive decision and move forward.