This Size And Direction Of The Step Matters Less Than The Decision To Move

Something that I notice is holding people back from playing a bigger game in life is that they’re failing to take some form of committed action. At the end of the day, action is the only thing that generate results, and your life will stay stuck where it is until you do something about it.

The main culprits delaying action are perfectionism, indecisiveness, fear, and overwhelm. Each is a form of self-sabotage designed to protect you and keep you safe in the comfort of how things are. The hesitation comes in as a rationalization that whatever you choose to do to move forward needs to be the best, most fail-proof thing. And while I agree that we need to be thoughtful about what we choose to do, I think we’d be better off if we lowered the threshold and gave ourselves permission to take messy action.

The size and direction of the step matters less than the decision to move. The only thing that guarantees that you’ll stay where you’re at is choosing not to move. Even if you start to go in the wrong way, at least you have some momentum you can use to make an adjustment. And even if the action step is tiny in the grand scheme of everything that needs to happen, it represents that you’re committed to moving. Change is no longer an idea but an inevitability. 

If you’re just getting started in business, text one friend and offer something complimentary. If it’s time to get serious about getting in shape and losing weight, get a gym membership or sign up for your first class. You won’t achieve your goals with a free trial or one workout, but you’ll make progress on it. Even if your friend doesn’t get value from your offer or you don’t like your gym. Now you’re in the process of working toward something rather than thinking about it.

Real, tangible movement will do more for you than the best plan ever could. In fact, your ability to making your best plan requires the feedback of initial misguided attempts.

The size and direction of the step matters less than the decision to move. So don’t overthink it, take your first, and get in motion.

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