I think the point is that good design (like everything) requires both preparation/learning and also action/doing. If you ignore the process of learning, your end product will, perhaps, be lesser than what it could have been. So, go to events, read blogs, read books, listen to podcasts, practice what you've learned, make mistakes, keep learning while doing. Learning allows you to DO more/better design.
I think the point is that good design (like everything) requires both preparation/learning and also action/doing. If you ignore the process of learning, your end product will, perhaps, be lesser than what it could have been. So, go to events, read blogs, read books, listen to podcasts, practice what you've learned, make mistakes, keep learning while doing. Learning allows you to DO more/better design.