We all know that results are derived from action, but, too often we get stuck in inaction — the quagmire of doubt and perfectionism and distractions and planning that stops us from moving forward. I am no proponent of taking off in a buzz of unguided activity, but the sad truth is that no plan will ever be perfect. If you wait until your plan is bullet proof, you will never get anything of real significance accomplished. The best way to get unstuck is to stop worrying about being perfect and to just get going.
The trait that separates successful entrepreneurs from floundering entrepreneurs is a daily commitment to fulfilling the benchmarks they set for themselves and their companies. Every day you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take care of what you know needs to be done. For some people this daily commitment means picking up the phone and making calls to prospective or current customers, no matter what. For others, it means sourcing suppliers for new products, drafting new copy for a website re-design, implementing changes in fulfillment procedures, or a myriad of other fundamentally important action items.
Planning isn’t action. Yes, you absolutely need to plan so you are clear about what you want to accomplish and the general direction you will take. Just do it quickly and get to the actual action as soon as possible. It is only through action that you will ever accomplish anything of significance.
Here’s my suggested plan for success:
- Prepare an action plan or plans;
- Start implementing your action plan or plans;
- Make course corrections along the way.
Be forewarned – you will face obstacles; you will learn some hard lessons and the journey will not always be pretty. But, this process of discovery is invaluable to your success. You will learn what works and what doesn’t, and these are insights you would have never uncovered by staying put.
Take action on one of your business plans today. Only action will get you where you want to go. So, take the first step – stop thinking and start doing.
6 Responses to "Take Action!"
I remember reading some years ago that the most successful sales people are those who do the things that no one else wants to do. Just like you said – make those phone calls, get out of your comfort zone, and do what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Great advice, Kyle!
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Thanks, Victoria – I think yours is one excellent piece of advice, too. The one thing that often separates a great goal from a great accomplishment is just taking that first step and getting the ball rolling.
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aw man, this advice is sooo valuable.
I sometimes struggle with expanding my comfort zones, and I find myself in the same spot again. It’s a nasty feeling, and only smart action can cure it.
I go for minimal planning and massive action now, and it works more or less. Some days, I’m an energy bomb, ready to illuminate world, and on other days, I’m just sleeping in the waters. One way or another, I’ll find a way to make it work for most of the time.
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You’ve hit on a really good point, Mars. Taking action is great, but that action should be in a direction that is in keeping with your strategic goals (“smart action” as you described it). There’s a very fine line between enough and too much planning, and usually only time will tell.
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6 Responses to "Take Action!"