Learning isn’t enough—embodied learning is the real game-changer.
Ever find yourself (or your team) overwhelmed by high expectations, buried under a pile of information, and expected to turn it all into action without time to process? I’m guilty of it too. I’m a self-confessed addict when it comes to YouTube, podcasts, and nonfiction books. I love knowledge and applying it—always have.
This obsession started young. My nana would drop off Woman’s Day and Woman’s Weekly, and I’d cut out the self-help articles—everything from “how to file your nails” to “how not to be angry.” I’d file them away in clear envelopes, convinced that more information meant more progress. I had it handy in case I needed it.
But two recent experiences made me realise I had it backwards. Knowledge is great, but making space to embody it is better. And more isn’t always more.
The fire hose
First, I ran a self-compassion workshop last December, right before heading off to a Vipassana retreat. We know people with big goals, often are the hardest on themselves.
The workshop was packed with great content and solid processes—but it was like drinking from a fire hose. With 45 minutes left, I saw the glazed expressions and realised I’d overloaded everyone. I was so focused on delivering value that I forgot to slow down and let people really experience self-compassion, not just learn about it. I’ve made this mistake before—cramming in too much, hoping to overdeliver, letting fear drive the agenda. But this time, I was kind to myself and took it as a lesson: less content, more space for embodiment.
Practising the same thing each day.
Then came the 10-day silent Vipassana retreat. In 10 days, we learned just three meditations—rinse, repeat, experience. Vipassana is about transformation through self-observation. It was the opposite of my workshop: learning through doing, not just knowing. That’s where the wisdom comes from.
I realised I’d been showing people how to do a push-up, but never letting them actually do one. I let them do it on their own at home.
Learning!
The next iteration was a 14 day sprint where I supported 24 individuals to stick to their wellbeing activities every day for 2 weeks. No knowledge, just coaching, group support and some mindset and perspective distinctions that helped them do the actions and help them get out of their own way. I walked with them. Side by side and supported them. They loved it and so did I!
What about you?
How can you do this with your team or even your kids? How can you make it easier for them to implement. Because infobesity is real and we are drowning in attention vampires (some are sitting in your pocket, handbag or desk right now!).
So, here’s the shift: I’m co-facilitating a Business Development Momentum with @Niall Richardson the CEO the Business Enterprise Centre. I feel lucky to stand beside Niall to give business owners the experience of moving forward in their business.
Momentum – Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward
We’re slowing down to the speed of implementation.
For those who are interested in thinking bigger and you want to start a side hustle or have a business, join The Future Self Club.
https://www.skool.com/thefutureselfclub/about?ref=417ef31f191a4a5883919f81ede1f5ca
The future self club is free and open for those who want a place to think big.
Give yourself (and your teams) the space to embody what we learn, not just collect more information. That’s where real change happens.
Warmly,
Michelle
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