When I start a new workout program, there’s an ongoing self-conflict that I have to overcome.
My body says I need to workout, but my mind somehow always finds a great excuse to wait a little bit longer.
“I’m tired, and studies show those who have enough rest actually lose more weight.”
“Ewww… it’s raining outside. I’ll wait until it’s nice and sunny. Then, I’ll be more motivated.”
“I’ll perfect my diet now and start working out on Monday. Who starts a workout mid-week?”
Every time I get into that “excuse” thought cycle, I end up waiting weeks before I actually start an exercise routine. But I heard something during a TV interview that grabbed my attention and will forever shake me out of my lazy mindset:
“There’s no such thing as a stagnant athlete. You’re either working out consistently and getting better, or not working out consistently and regressing.”
Basically, every day that ended in me not working out was a day I was not becoming a better me. What a waste of time!
Sometimes we get so caught up in the planning process that we’re so slow to act.
Leaders do. They don’t just talk about “doing.” They don’t put “doing” on their never-ending to-do list. They just do. And the longer they don’t do, the longer their team suffers from a lack of progress.
Don’t fall into the trap of wanting something to be flawless before starting. (Remember the paralysis of analysis?) You can always make excuses for why now isn’t the right time. And if you wait for the “perfect time” to do anything, nothing will get done.
Just like anything you begin, there will be kinks to work through. But you can’t get better or see results if you never start.
I’m not trying to trivialize the complex decisions leaders have to make. Yes, you should think it through and consider all possible outcomes. However, you have to know when to pull the trigger and let your plan take its course.
And if your plan fails, remember the wise words of Victor Kiam: “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.”
So, how are you helping your organization move forward today?
Written by:
Hope Boyd
Director of Communications, Strategic Government Resources
governmentresource.com
The 16% 
It is easy to forget that life rarely allows us a clear point of transition from a phase of 100% planning to 100% acting. More often then not, the demands on us are to both plan and act simultaneously, just to different degrees. No plan completely prepared before any action is taken will be followed perfectly, because the beginning of a project is usually the point at which you have the least information about it. Adjustments will have to be made, and you won’t know what they are, until to start taking actions. Life is usually much more like building an airplane while it is flying, and to keep it up in the air, you have to keep it moving forward.
Wow. Great added points, Joseph. Thanks for commenting!
You have inspired me to move forward in the direction of a professional goal I have for myself. I was making “excuses” because all the resources I need to reach my goal are not presently available but I can do something with what I have to move toward my goal. THANKS! I love this blog.
I’m glad your making moves toward your professional goals, Enna! Keep at it!