About three weeks ago, I recognized a common phenomenon that's hard to describe.
A lot of times, you know something, but you're not doing it. Or you're not living it regularly.
When you come across information you've already read or seen, the temptation is to say, "I already know this." Okay, you know it - but are you living what you know? If not, you might want to keep studying and practicing on that topic, even if you feel like you "know" it.
When I start reading a book on managing money, or managing time, or setting goals, sometimes I have a reaction. I say, "I already know this." But then I stop myself. Stop. And I ask, "Am I living it?" Okay, I need some goals and I need to look at them regularly. Am I doing it? If not, I'll re-read the section, or watch another video on it.
I'll be honest - it's somewhat boring going through information you've already come across. But it's necessary if you're not doing/living it.
About three weeks ago, I realized we need a word for this. Turning theoretical knowledge into real world application. Hence, intek was born. Already, my friends are starting to use the word, because it's really valuable. I was having a conversation with a businessman friend of mine, and he was talking about how one of the guys managing a division at his company says "Yeah, yeah, I know I know" when they talk about incentives, but yet, he doesn't have good incentives and rewards set up. So, maybe he knows it, but he's not doing it.
A lot of times I'd be getting taught something, and after my teacher or instructor explained it, I'd say "Yeah, yeah, I got it" - but then I couldn't do it later. Now, I'm getting more comfortable going over information five, six, seven times if it's something I need to internalize, then following up with more study/practice of it later.
That's intek. The word is a hybrid of “internalize” and ancient Greek “teknik.” Intek is the process of turning a theoretical understanding of a skill, craft, art, knowledge, or discipline into being able to do it and live it in the real world. So, you probably know you need some goals. Yeah, yeah, I know that. But are you doing it? If not, stick with it, be open to hearing the same information again until it clicks and you start doing it more.
Don't just read about martial arts, or metalworking, or aesthetics, or whatever - go out and try it in the real world. Intek. Go from knowing knowledge to doing knowledge to living knowledge. Intek. Thinking of it like this will change your life.