It's a long way from learning to doing.

In theory, there's very little in the way of us all being outstanding. Google "self development" and you will be presented with over three billion options. Amazon carries over one hundred thousand titles. There are countless speakers and coaches all offering the keys to oustanding performance.

And yet, so little happens. Why is that?

1. We are creatures of habit, and are very attached to the beliefs and behaviours that have got us to wherever we are now. It may not be wonderful and we may want more, but we're very reluctant to let go of what got us to now. We are often hopeless at unlearning and overwriting old habits to acquire new, more productive ones.

2. We're afraid. All the science indicates we are much more motivated by fear than reward. We walk towards reward, but run away from danger, and letting go of what we know to experiment with what we don't spells danger.

3. We don't really want it that much. Most career progression is via management, and management is pretty safe. It may not feel …