Some of our best ideas are still waiting for the right moment. We call it preparation. It's really procrastination. Eventually the due diligence phase yields to the do-nothing phase. And another good idea gets covered in cobwebs. Keep in mind what William Feather said: "Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing."
There’s something to be said for beginning now and filling in the details as you go. Not that details aren't important or that preparation isn't necessary, but at some you’ve got to quit compiling data and start pursuing results.
Do you know what the problem is? There’s no failure to face in the preparation stage. There’s no disappointment to deal with in the dream-casting stage. It’s only after the plan has been put into practice that you confront results that maybe don’t meet expectations. It’s easy to get nervous. It’s easier to plan just a little longer.
When Abraham was older than just about everyone who will be reading these words, God told him, "Leave your country, your people, and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) Abraham went, not having a plan in place, not knowing exactly hat lay ahead, only that he was following the voice of God.
There are times when it’s time to do just what Abraham did: take the first few steps, even if all the questions haven’t been answered and all the problems aren’t solved in advance. There's something to be said for beginning now. As George Allen, the coach of the Washington Redskins said many times to his team of the 70’s: “the future is the now!” Shed the paralysis of analysis and start implementing those plans, dreams, visions and cuddled aspirations. Make 2012 THE YEAR---be a NIKE sort of person and “JUST Do IT!!!”
Sounds like a perfect New Year's resolution. I think I shall try it. Thanks for your wise words.
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