Imperfect Action > Perfect Inaction
For some time now, I have been brooding over what my first “real” blog post would be about. As I sit here, scrapping idea after idea (good ones at that, just “not the right time”), the humor of the situation revealed to me exactly what the first official post would be.
Though Aspire Athletic Performance is not quite yet up and running, I have already learned so many lessons through the process. All my life, I have been the paralysis by analysis type – the diehard perfectionist (aka the procrastinator in denial). These last few months have challenged me to change my ways.
Despite the years of planning I have put into this project (and the many years more of aspirations and experience in the industry), I have found myself feeling inexplicably rushed to make several decisions along the way. With each one, I routinely second guess my course of action, wishing I had more time to assess my options further.
The haste with which I’ve had to make some decisions during the start-up process has helped me practice transitioning from a “brewer” to a “doer.” I could continue to contemplate for days, weeks, months, or even years how to best go about certain elements of the business, but in the end, thoughts produce very little in comparison to action.
I must continue to shift my beliefs to the understanding that things will never come out the way I perfectly envision. Better yet, far more can be learned through the experience of failure and mistake than can from the most carefully crafted plan. So, it is important to be accepting of the fact that imperfect-action will trump perfect-inaction just about every time.
Little by little, I am working to take action where I would have previously turned to contemplation. With each small victory, I notice the subsequent decisions coming ever-so-slightly easier. Just like anything else, becoming a great decision-maker and action-taker is a skill, and skills require deliberate practice to improve.
So, that’s my spiel, and I now turn it over to you. What actions have you been putting off in fear of making the wrong decision or it not being “the right time.” Plan to join the gym, but just need to “get in better shape” first? In dire need of a career change, but still just need to save “a little” more money (over the next 40 years) before you take the plunge? Had a lifelong dream of moving to a foreign paradise, but worried that all the naysayers will be right about your “foolish” aspirations (you can always move back…)?
Whatever your “paralysis-by-analysis” situation is, I am here to encourage you to be bold and take action. We all aspire to be great at some facet of life, and the only way to get there is to move towards your goals. Now, quit thinking about everything that was said here…it’s time to go execute!
