Inaction is easy, but is the result in the long-term worth the laziness? Continuing our Action Series, we look at 9 of the most common excuses we hear from our clients:
1) The conditions aren’t right!
Eschenroeder agrees that this is probably true. The Walt Disney Company was born out of a recession. The key argument here? It doesn’t matter. Just get on with it. The conditions will never be perfect, and neither will you or your work.
2) This setback proves it’s not possible or worth it!
Rather than focusing on how something might have failed at first, try shifting attention to what it taught you. Ask yourself whether you are falling into the trap of inaction because it’s the easy choice, rather than the right one.
3) I picked the wrong path!
Inaction because it’s easy or because it’s right? It’s important to know when changing path is truly the right thing for you, rather than a quicker option. Pay your qualms some attention, but make sure they lead to the next action, whatever that may be.
4) I don’t know where to start!
Start at the start. Eschenroeder explains that you don’t need to see your finish line to start running. He uses Coca-Cola and Twitter as examples. Coke began as a pharmaceutical company, and Twitter as the side hustle of two guys trying to launch a podcast gig. Whatever you do, just start somewhere.
5) I’m overwhelmed!
This usually comes from thinking about doing too many things at once. The best way to resolve this? Get going. Once you begin, and you make progress, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
6) I’m not making progress!
Progress is not clean and straight forward, so you can’t visualize it in a comfortable, satisfying way. Try using a systematic approach rather than goal setting; you will see more short-term reward and trackable progress. Less friction will propel you forward.
7) I need to know more!
This is rational, but still not always helpful. Action is required to quickly learn the tools you actually need, not those you thought you might. Get started and do your best, you’ll get to know what gaps in your knowledge exist and are worth the investment filling.
8) I am taking action but now I’m drained!
Eschenroeder argues that people using this excuse are often proud busybodies. Their tiredness demonstrates their work ethic and value professionally. If your project matters to you, acting on it may make you feel more alert and productive than ever.
9) I’m not good enough…
Our internal monologues can be our greatest obstacle. Claiming that you are not good enough is not a permanent statement, unless you never act to improve on it. It is entirely within reach to become good enough, it just takes action.
Takeaway activity:
- “Feel the fear but do it anyway”- this series is all about action, and as painful as it make be, ‘Just Do It’. Small baby steps will increase your confidence to take bigger steps which ultimately will result in motivation
- Use these as a trigger to reflect on deeper underlying problems- try asking yourself the 5 Whys and bake these into your prioritisation and planning activities
Further reading:
- https://startupbros.com/overthinkers-guide-taking-action-complete-guide/#20-antidotes-for-inaction
- https://medium.com/swlh/13-massive-companies-that-started-during-a-recession-ba769e38d0ad
- https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/7-ways-eliminate-your-excuses.html
