At some level we all understand the concept that experience is a good teacher and that some things can only be truly learned or understood though personal experience. Yet we often strive to figure out our lives (careers, relationships) or solve our problems at a strictly intellectual level and downplay or ignore the importance of experimentation – the “learn by trying/doing” part of the equation. We cling to the idea that we should be able to simply “figure things out” by mulling things over, applying logic, and mentally weighing alternatives, and thus we become armchair examiners of, and theorists about, our lives. Relying on thought is a natural human tendency but why do we do this? Is there a better way?

Why do we gravitate toward intellectual analysis?

Intellectual analysis certainly has its advantages; for example:

• It is invisible

Unless we chose to share our evolving thoughts with others we can freely consider multiple alternatives and possibilities for what we might do or say without risking negative feedback from others. It is not until we actually do something that we risk failing, being wrong, or being judged harshly.

• It’s efficient

In our upbringing we are taught and encouraged to use our brains to leverage the wisdom and experience of others so that we do not have to learn everything by a brutal trial-and-error process. We are taught to ask questions and to listen to, respect, and rely on the thoughts and opinions of others. We become comfortable with the idea that “experts” know something we don’t and can help us “see the light.”

• It often works

We all have years of experience in applying rational thought to solve problems and we know it works.