Passion Struck with John R. Miles
4 Inspiring Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Action | EP 543
Fri, 06 Dec 2024
In this solo episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles reflects on the challenge we all face: turning inspiration into action. Whether it’s a powerful idea from a book, TED Talk, or podcast, too often, the spark of motivation fizzles out before it leads to meaningful change. Drawing from recent conversations with Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott, John explores actionable ways to overcome this gap and make intentional progress in your life.Codie and Kim provide frameworks to move beyond theory. Codie breaks wealth-building into clear steps by focusing on cash-flowing businesses, while Kim provides practical tools for giving feedback, building trust, and leading with purpose. Combining their lessons with insights from behavioral science and his own personal experiences, John shares four transformative strategies to help you bridge the gap between knowing and doing.If you’ve ever struggled to act on a big idea or felt stuck in the “theory phase,” this episode will inspire you to take the first step—no matter how small—and start building momentum toward your goals.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/4-ways-bridge-the-gap-between-theory-and-action/Call to Action: In this episode, we explored powerful ways to bridge the gap between theory and action. Now, it’s your turn to take those insights and apply them in your life. Start small—take one step toward turning your goals into reality today. Whether it’s setting clearer intentions, overcoming mental barriers, or developing a plan for execution, remember that every action matters in creating the life you desire.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review—it takes just a moment and helps us share our message with more people. Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!How to Connect with John: Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John's website. Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com today!If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review to help spread the message of intentional living. Let’s bridge the gap between theory and action and live our lives with purpose!In this episode, you will learn: How to Bridge the Gap between your ideas and your actions. Key barriers that hold people back from taking action and how to overcome them. Practical steps to take your theories and ideas and make them reality. Mindset shifts that help transform hesitation into decisive action. The importance of small, intentional actions in driving progress toward your bigger goals. Actionable Practices to Bridge the Gap: Set clear, actionable goals: Break down your bigger ambitions into smaller, achievable steps. Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable. Develop a plan for action: Turn your theories into concrete steps that are easy to follow. Overcome mental roadblocks: Address limiting beliefs and take the first step, no matter how small. Reflect and adjust: Evaluate your progress regularly, and tweak your approach as needed to stay on track. Sponsors: Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.” Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Get your free online visit at hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK. Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION. For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.Speaking Engagements & Workshops: Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter Packs: With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck: Check My solo episode on How to Live Intentionally With Passion and Perseverance Catch My Episode with Gail Swift On: The Power of Taking Action Watch my interview with Jason Silver on How to Use What You Have to Get What You Desire Can't miss my episode with Maha Abouelenein on How Small Actions Lead to Big Success My solo episode on What Is Sisu? Harnessing the Finnish Art of Courage for Life If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapter 1: What is the challenge of bridging the gap between theory and action?
Coming up next on Passion Struck, let's be real. Most of us already know what we should be doing. We've read the books, watched the videos, maybe even made a list or two. But knowing isn't the problem. It's the doing. In this episode, we're cutting through the fluff and tackling the hard truth, why you're stuck and how to get out of your own way.
Chapter 2: How can we create momentum when we don't feel ready?
It's not about waiting for motivation or the perfect moment. It's about creating momentum even when you don't feel ready. If you've ever wondered why some people take off and others stay stuck, this is your wake-up call. Tune in to learn how to stop overthinking, start acting, and build the life you've been putting off. This one you don't want to miss. Let's go. Welcome to Passion Struck.
Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.
If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become passion struck. Hey, passion struck family. Welcome back to Momentum Friday and episode 543.
I'm so glad you're here with me today. It's always a privilege to spend this time together exploring what it means to live a life of intention and purpose. If you're new here, welcome. You have just stepped into a space dedicated to helping you live a life of meaning, passion, and action. And I'm thrilled to have you.
For first-time listeners or those who want to introduce this to a friend or a family member, don't miss our episode starter packs with over 540 episodes. We've curated lists on themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth to make it easier to dive into the topics that matter most to you. Head over to passionstruck.com slash starter packs or find them on Spotify.
And if you're ready to take these lessons deeper, sign up for my Live Intentionally newsletter at passionstruck.com. Each week, I'll send you actionable insights and a challenge exercise to help you stay inspired and intentional.
Plus, don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you can watch all our episodes, solo insights and highlights to keep your growth journey visual and engaging. Now, let's talk about today's episode. This week, I've been reflecting on a couple of incredible conversations I had with Cody Sanchez and Kim Scott. and how they tie into something I think we've all experienced.
Now tell me if this sounds familiar. You read a book, watch a TED Talk, or listen to a podcast, and you feel completely inspired. You're ready to take on the world. But then life happens. That inspiration doesn't quite translate into action. It gets stuck in the theory stage. I've been there, and I'm guessing you have too. Here's the thing.
Both Cody and Kim bring something really unique to the table. They don't just share big ideas. They give you the tools
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Chapter 3: What actionable frameworks do Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott provide?
you know the ones nobody pays attention to plumbing companies cleaning services construction firms cody shows people step by step how to find these businesses evaluate them and make them their own her whole approach is about breaking wealth building into actions you can take starting right now then there's kim scott if you've ever struggled to give someone feedback like you want to be honest but you don't want to come off as a jerk kim gets it
she's been there her books radical candor and radical respect give you a roadmap for navigating tough conversations without losing the humanity in your relationships one of her core ideas is this balance care personally but challenged directly and the way she explains it through stories frameworks and real life examples makes you feel like yeah i can actually do this here's what ties them together both cody and kim are about moving from ideas to action
Ideas are great, but they don't matter until we do something with them. Cody helps people take the leap into business ownership. Kim shows leaders how to build trust and respect one conversation at a time. Whether it's buying a business or giving feedback, the magic is in the action. It's not about perfection. It's about starting, learning, and adjusting along the way.
So here's where I want to go with this today. What's keeping you in the theory phase? What's stopping you from turning knowledge into action? Let's unpack that, and then let's borrow some wisdom from Cody and Kim to figure out how to move forward with intention.
So let's talk about why so many of us get stuck in the theory phase, you know the one, where we get all fired up about an idea, whether it's starting a business, having a tough conversation, or making a big life change, and then nothing. We stall out. It's frustrating, and it happens to the best of us.
let's break it down because there are some pretty common culprits that keep us stuck in the theory phase first there's fear of failure or rejection let's be real the idea of failing can be terrifying whether it's launching something that flops or saying something that doesn't land the way you intended the fear of failing flat on your face is enough to paralyze anyone you start thinking what if i try and it doesn't work
What if people judge me? And just like that, the risk of failing feels bigger than the reward of succeeding. Here's the thing, though. Cody Sanchez didn't build a nine-figure business empire by avoiding risk, and Kim Scott didn't write books on candor and respect by staying quiet. They both leaned into the discomfort of failure because they knew that not trying was the real loss.
Then there's the second culprit, overwhelm from too much information. Sometimes we get stuck because we don't even know where to start. There's so much information out there, and it can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Should you read another book, take another course, watch more YouTube videos, the more options you have, the harder it feels to pick a direction. This happens
lot with people who hear about cody's work they think okay buying a business sounds amazing but how do i even start what if i don't have the money what if i mess up and before they know it they're so overwhelmed by the what-ifs that they don't even take the first step then there's the next culprit lack of clear next steps and let's talk about this one because it's huge
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Chapter 4: What common barriers stop us from taking action?
It's specific, actionable, and ground in reality. Kim does the same for leadership. Her idea of success is building trust and respect in workplaces, not by avoiding conflict, but by leaning into it with radical candor. Success for Kim is a leader who cares personally while challenging directly. For you, success might mean something completely different, but here's the key.
Make it clear, make it tangible, and make it personal. Write it down. Not, I want to get fit, but I want to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. Not, I want to be financially free, but I want to replace my salary with income from a business I own. Clarity drives action. Step two, identify the first actionable step. Here's the big secret. Action isn't about solving the whole problem.
It's about solving the next problem. Cody teaches her audience to start small. If buying a business feels overwhelming, don't buy one tomorrow. Start by identifying an industry that interests you or researching local businesses for sale. Kim applies the same principle to feedback. You don't need to revolutionize your communication style overnight. Start with one conversation.
Think of someone in your life who could benefit from honest feedback and practice delivering it in a way that's kind and clear. Breaking the goal into smaller, digestible steps makes the process less intimidating and and much more doable. Question isn't, how do I get to the top of the mountain? It's, what's my first step? The third step is to leverage tools and frameworks.
One of the reasons people like Cody and Kim are so effective is that they don't just inspire action, they simplify it. They give you tools. Cody's deal-making checklist walks you through the process of identifying, evaluating, and negotiating a business deal. Kim's radical candor quadrants help you assess your communication style and adjust it to build trust and respect.
These frameworks take the guesswork out of the process. They reduce complexity and give you a clear path forward. The takeaway? You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Find the tools and frameworks that align with your goals and use them to take the next step. Step four, embrace imperfection. Here's the part no one likes to hear. Your first step probably won't be perfect.
And that's okay. Cody often reminds people that the first deal you close probably won't be your best, but it will teach you more than years of waiting ever could. Kim shares stories of leaders who hesitated to give feedback, fearing they'd say the wrong thing, only to learn that imperfect feedback is better than none at all. We often wait for the perfect moment to act.
The right timing, the right resources, the right circumstances. But perfection is a myth. Progress comes from messy and perfect action. Start small, make mistakes, and learn as you go. So why does this approach work? Behavioral science backs this up. The hardest part of any action is simply starting.
This is something we've explored on this podcast before, especially in my conversation with Dr. B.J. Fogg in episode 388. Dr. Fogg, the founder of the Behavioral Design Lab at Stanford University and the author of Tiny Habits, emphasizes that starting small is the key to creating lasting change. He says if you plant the right seed in the right spot, it will grow without further coaxing.
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Chapter 5: How can we break down our goals into actionable steps?
which highlights how even minor progress can significantly enhance motivation and creativity. She notes, of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work. Cody and Kim understand this deeply. Their frameworks aren't just about reaching a destination,
They're about creating a journey where each step builds upon the last. By breaking down ambitious goals into manageable actions, they help us overcome inertia and make consistent progress. So why does this work? Because it transforms overwhelming tasks into achievable actions. It shifts our mindset from, I have to do everything, to, I can do this one thing right now.
This approach leverages the power of small wins to create sustainable momentum. So let's turn this insight into action. Here's your chat. challenge. First, define your vision. What does success look like for you? Be specific. Instead of saying, I want to improve my leadership skills, consider, I want to foster a team culture where open feedback is encouraged. Write it down and make it tangible.
Second, pick one small step. Identify the next immediate action you can take, not the entire plan, just the very next step. If your goal is financial independence, perhaps your first step is to read an article about acquiring small businesses. If you want to improve your relationships, maybe it's scheduling a conversation with someone to practice radical candor. Third, use a tool.
Equip yourself with resources that simplify the process. This could be Cody's deal-making checklist if you're exploring business acquisitions or Kim's radical candor framework to enhance your communication skills. Tools like these provide structure and clarity, making it easier to take action. Fourth, start even when it's messy. Let go of the need for perfection.
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Chapter 6: What is the bee and turtle effect in achieving success?
As BJ Fogg shared, embrace the messy and imperfect start. It's better than not starting at all. Focus on making progress rather than achieving perfection. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Because here's the thing, the gap between theory and action isn't a wall. It's just a step. and you already have what it takes to climb it.
The most significant transformations begin with that first, often imperfect, step forward. So sometimes the best way to understand the power of turning theory into action is through a real-life story. Change is a fascinating phenomenon. It feels intangible, elusive, a destination we dream of, but rarely know how to reach.
But when you break it down, change is less about massive leaps and more about consistent, intentional steps. Nate Dukes, who joined me in episode 69 of the show, is living proof that transformation is possible, no matter how far you've fallen. His story is raw, inspiring, and a roadmap for anyone looking to create their own comeback. So let's talk about Nate's comeback story.
In his early 20s, Nate Dukes was the picture of outward success. He owned a business and seemed to be thriving, but his life was unraveling behind the scenes. A secret drug addiction consumed him, and his decisions led to broken relationships, jail time, and losing everything he'd worked for. For Nate, rock bottom wasn't a metaphor. It was a jail cell.
In that stark, quiet space, he was forced to confront a harsh reality. The life he was living wasn't the life he wanted. Faced with this truth, Nate asked himself one pivotal question. What if I could change? The road to transformation wasn't dramatic or instant. Nate didn't wake up with his life figured out. Instead, he started small. He made one better decision. then another.
He repaired broken relationships, reshaped his mindset, and rebuilt his habits. Each step created momentum, and over time, those small, consistent actions led to a total transformation. Today, Nate is the author of You'll Never Change, a speaker, a minister, and a coach dedicated to helping others rewrite their stories.
His journey is living proof that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome with intentional choices and steady progress. Nate's story is more than inspiring. It's a masterclass in moving from knowing to doing. Here's what we can learn. Change starts with a decision. Nate's first step towards transformation is deciding that you want it. For him, that decision happened in jail.
But for most of us, it could happen anywhere. The key is to recognize that you have the power to choose differently. Second, small wins build momentum. Research shows that the hardest part of any action is simply starting. Nate didn't try to fix everything at once. He focused on small, manageable steps, choosing better habits, making amends, and celebrating incremental progress.
Those small wins built the momentum that carried him forward. Third, Nate reframed his narrative. One of Nate's biggest breakthroughs was rejecting the lie that he couldn't change. So many of us are trapped by stories we tell ourselves, stories about our limitations, our past failures, or our supposed inability to grow.
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Chapter 7: How do we define success in concrete terms?
Change isn't about being perfect, having all the answers, or waiting for the right moment. It's about showing up even when it feels messy. It's about taking that first small, sometimes scary step and trusting that the path will reveal itself as you move forward.
We've explored some powerful ideas today from Cody Sanchez's frameworks for financial independence to Kim Scott's tools for building trust and giving feedback. And we heard about Nate Duke's inspiring journey from rock bottom to redemption. Proof that no matter how far you've fallen, transformation is possible when you decide to act. But let's bring this back to you.
Maybe you're sitting here thinking about a goal you've put off for too long, or a change you've wanted to make but haven't had the courage to start. I get it. Taking that first step is hard. It's vulnerable. It's uncertain. Here's the truth, though. Staying where you are is harder. It's the quiet regret of not trying. The nagging question of what if. The key isn't to overhaul everything at once.
It's to pick one thing. just one and take a single step toward it send the email read the book have the conversation do it imperfectly but do it because as nate's story tells us small steps compound here's my challenge to you think about what matters most to you right now what's one action no matter how small, that you can take today to move closer to it. Write it down, then take it.
Not tomorrow, not next week, today. And when you do, let me know. Tag me on social media at John R. Miles or share it with the PassionStruck community. I want to hear about the steps you're taking because every story of progress no matter how small, has the power to inspire someone else.
To support you in turning ideas into action, I've created a free downloadable resource, the Bridging the Gap Blueprint. This guide provides actionable steps to help you overcome barriers, build momentum, and start making meaningful progress towards your goals. You can download it now on passionstruck.com. along with additional tools and resources designed to inspire and empower your journey.
If today's episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a five-star rating and review. It's one of the best ways to help others discover the show and join our mission of intentional living. And if you know someone who could benefit from today's message, share this episode with them. Together, we can spread the gift of transformation and purpose.
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Chapter 8: What are the first steps to take when feeling stuck?
I'm also passionate about taking these lessons beyond the podcast. Whether it's through keynote speeches, workshops, or corporate events, I'd love to bring this message of resilience, connection, and psychological wealth to your team or community. Learn more about how we can partner by visiting johnrmiles.com slash speaking.
You can find links to everything discussed in today's episode in the show notes at passionstruck.com. And don't forget to watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel. While you're there, subscribe so you never miss a moment of inspiration. And be sure to check out our sponsors and exclusive deals at passionstruck.com slash deals.
Supporting those who support the show makes all the difference. Before we wrap up, I'm thrilled to share a teaser for our next episode. I'll be joined by Jessica Zweig, bestselling author of Lightwork. Jessica's insights on embracing authenticity, increasing self-worth, and creating alignment between who you are and how you show up in the world are transformational. You won't want to miss it.
The synonym for the word light is information. That's it. Imagine yourself in a pitch black room and you switch on the light. You can see. You can see what is factually, actually, truthfully there. Our light that's within us is our truth and the truth of who we really are.
I don't just believe I know that we as human beings are limitless, are innately loved, are innately worthy, are innately powerful and quantum and abundant. That's the information, the information of truth that lives inside of all of us. And darkness isn't evil. When we hear the word dark, we're like, ooh, that's something to be afraid of. That's bad. It's not. It's just lack of information.
It's actually quite neutral when you think about it. When we're in a dark room, we can't see. And when we can't see and we are in the dark, things do happen. We get scared. There is a vibration of fear in the dark. We are technically ignorant. And what happens in ignorance? Well, we make up stories. We project things that simply aren't true.
And it is in the dark that things do get dangerous if we let the dark stay dark too long.
Thank you for spending your time with me today. Your commitment to living a life of purpose and impact inspires me. And I hope this episode has added value to your journey. Remember, the fee for the show is simple. If you found value here, share it with someone else who might benefit. Let's keep living what we learn. And until next time, live life passion struck.
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