Would you consent to be treated by a doctor who has attended medical school for years but has never treated a patient in his life, or taught by a teacher who has learned all about making lesson plans but has never made one?  Does a country send athletes to the Olympics who can rattle off all kinds of statistics in their sleep but have never played an actual game?  I shall safely assume that your answer is 'no' to the above.

Theoretical knowledge is essential but incomplete in itself.  Practical experience is an integral part of learning.  A doctor spends endless hours treating patients under the watchful eye of a superior before being allowed to treat patients on her own.  A teacher has to spend several hours in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced instructor before being given a license to teach.  An athlete spends several hours on the field practicing and playing competitively before earning the right to represent his country in the Olympics.

Similarly, if you wish to make inner progress, theoretical knowledge in itself is incomplete. Reading inspirational books and listening to enlightening talks is very important but in the end you will start making progress only if you diligently incorporate what you have learned in daily life. Theoretical knowledge will provide the spiritual foundation on how to lead your life. However, it is practical experience that will reveal to you the strides you have made and the challenges that have yet to be overcome.  

To make self improvement, you will have to practice what you have learned.
 
Yours,
Didi Ji