Over the last few weeks we’ve been discussing the steps a leader takes to get things done. They begin with dreaming so that the destination they work toward is large enough and mission-oriented enough so as to be worth the effort they will expend. Next, they move on to planning so that the results will be at the level of quality they desire and so that they move forward efficiently and effectively. Today, let’s take a look at the next part, which for many is very difficult. There is an old proverb that states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step.” This is so true, but so hard for many, because in many ways, it’s easy to dream and plan out all the things we want to accomplish, but the problem comes when we have to actually start doing something. I’ve seen so many people who have a wonderful vision of what they want their life to be, but they never really get started, so they end up with a ton of regret for the things which could have been, which never became a reality.
Kriegel and Patler, in their 1991 book If it Ain’t Broke, BREAK IT!, state, “There is nothing quite as lethal as doing nothing.” Again, so very true. It doesn’t matter how grand the dream, how complex the description of what could be or the level of bravado when telling others the things that you plan to do – if you don’t get started, your words are worthless. I know it seems harsh to say, but I’d rather have someone tell me of a lesser-scaled goal that they actually started and finished than an over-the-top and hyped-up plan of grandeur that never gets off the ground because no action is ever taken. Dream, yes, but pipe-dream, no way. Vance and Deacon, in Think Out of the Box (1995), say it this way, “It’s about doing. It’s about action.”
Years ago I got the great opportunity to hear the late, great motivational speaker Charlie “Tremendous” Jones speak at a leadership lunch. He said many things that I still apply to my life today, but one of the things I remember him saying is, “The secret of success is get started and then never quit!” That one statement can teach all of us great lessons about perseverance and focus, but also about how important it is to do the one thing that matters long before the challenges of our task ever test our fortitude. That is that we must get started.
Just today I saw a social media post from a friend of mine who quoted another pillar of leadership development, Dale Carnegie, and it is perfect for this discussion. It states, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Wow! That is great advice for all of us. So, as you continue to walk the path of leadership, dream, plan, and START!
Lead well.