Bias for action
Have you ever heard of the paralysis of analysis? Too much
of anything can be detrimental in the long run. I respect thought processes and
encourage people to think about what they want. I also respect the need to
sharpen your tools before you set out to work. A sharp tool is vital to
efficient work. However there reaches a point where action is the only thing
that will move you forward.
It is necessary to prepare but it is also possible to
overstay in the preparation phase. I don’t know whether there is a
psychological term for it but sometimes people hide behind preparation while
doing nothing constructive. All the theory you gather means nothing until you
start applying it in real life situations. Dreams remain just that until you
choose to step out and actualize.
Those who see their dreams become a reality have learnt to
shorten the time between dreaming and action. In short, they have a bias for
action. The more time you spend weighing the pros and cons of your dream the
more likely you are not to get started on it. Consult as much as you want but the
bottom line is that no amount of consultation will make up for your lack of
action.
It is better to take that first step than to keep thinking
about taking it. I agree that sometimes are better than others to get started
on a certain pursuit but if you don’t have the luxury of time, it is wise to
start where you are with what you have right away. Things have a way of coming
together to enable the ball roll on once you take the first kick. Concerning
your dream, what is the first thing you can do about it today. Forget about 100
steps ahead. What is that baby step you can take. Taking it will separate you
from the club of dreamers to that of doers. Nobody will celebrate you if all
you do is dream. Dreams alone don’t change the world. Action, concerted, consistent
action is what gets it done.
At the beginning the quality of your action is not so
important. It is better to start by putting in the work then refine it as you
go along. Those who wait until they can do it perfectly seldom get started. If
you can put in large quantities of action, it is easy to iterate and get better
as the days go by. In the tech world the mantra is ‘done is better than
perfect.’ Many people are stuck pursuing perfection and they end up with ideals
in their heads but nothing on the ground. Your highest thoughts amount to
nothing for as long as they are not actioned.
Many times, it is never about the quality of the dream. It
boils down to the quality of the execution. There is a story about Kenya and
how we have some of the best policy papers anyone can come up with out there.
The sad bit is that we never implement them and others come, pick them up and
run with them. Results come from action not wishes. It takes massive action to
change the status quo. If your dream will see the light of day, that bias for
action is indispensable.
Let me invite you to take some action right now? If you are not subscribed to this blog, then pause right now and subscribe to ensure you never miss out on anything we share. Join other dreamers on my weekly newsletter here
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I also want to challenge you to write down the next step you can take today towards your goal. Take it then share with me what that action is.
Till next week.
Sam.
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