Is Nike Right? Should You, “Just Do It”?
We last talked about taking action on a project to improve your business when you’re either overwhelmed or afraid to fail. The message I left you with probably sounded like I was telling you to, “just suck it up and do it!” Well, in a way I was, but it’s not that simple. Don’t get me wrong, taking action is a great motivator and could definitely be moving you in the right direction. However, blind action – without a plan – could result in you being further away from your goal. So, what should you do?
First, don’t let yourself freeze up again! It’s taken some energy to get you defrosted, ready and motivated to take action – so hold on to it! Then, funnel it into the following process:
Step 1: What do you want to do? Be very clear and definitive about what it is that you want to do. Do you want to implement a new software system? Do you need to make a change in your staff?
Step 2: Why do you want to do it? Be truthful here! The reason could be big or small; it could be petty or deep. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you understand and own the reason – even if it’s as simple as a personality conflict.
Step 3: Write out an action plan. Make it as detailed as possible and it will be easier to follow.
Step 4: Feel the fear or overwhelm. There’s a reason you’ve been procrastinating taking action and it likely has something to do with fear or overwhelm. Allow yourself to feel it, acknowledge it, and then you’ll be able to move on.
Step 5: Why are you afraid or overwhelmed? This “why” is very important because it’s likely keeping you from taking action on other projects. Is it a fear of failure, afraid you’re not capable of doing it, or don’t have the knowledge or skill to get it done? The why could be internal or external.
Step 6: Do it anyway! Now that you understand why you’ve been procrastinating, you may start to have second thoughts. Don’t listen to them! Take the first step of your action plan within 24 hours.
Step 7: Celebrate! No matter the outcome of the project, celebrate that you took action and took a risk. This is especially true of long term plans because it will be a while before you know the outcome.
So, Nike’s right. You should “Just Do It!” Just do it in steps and you’ll definitely be moving in the right direction.
Step 1: What do you want to do? Be very clear and definitive about what it is that you want to do. Do you want to implement a new software system? Do you need to make a change in your staff?
Step 2: Why do you want to do it? Be truthful here! The reason could be big or small; it could be petty or deep. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you understand and own the reason – even if it’s as simple as a personality conflict.
Step 3: Write out an action plan. Make it as detailed as possible and it will be easier to follow.
Step 4: Feel the fear or overwhelm. There’s a reason you’ve been procrastinating taking action and it likely has something to do with fear or overwhelm. Allow yourself to feel it, acknowledge it, and then you’ll be able to move on.
Step 5: Why are you afraid or overwhelmed? This “why” is very important because it’s likely keeping you from taking action on other projects. Is it a fear of failure, afraid you’re not capable of doing it, or don’t have the knowledge or skill to get it done? The why could be internal or external.
Step 6: Do it anyway! Now that you understand why you’ve been procrastinating, you may start to have second thoughts. Don’t listen to them! Take the first step of your action plan within 24 hours.
Step 7: Celebrate! No matter the outcome of the project, celebrate that you took action and took a risk. This is especially true of long term plans because it will be a while before you know the outcome.
So, Nike’s right. You should “Just Do It!” Just do it in steps and you’ll definitely be moving in the right direction.
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