“We cannot put off living until we are ready. The most salient characteristic of life is its urgency, ‘here and now’ without any possible postponement. Life is fired at us point-blank.”
Analysis and action: Both are necessary when it comes to problem solving. But do you find yourself with an inherent bias for analysis over action? Do you try to see all the turns ahead before taking the first one? Analysis, while vital for identifying potential actions, is like a car in neutral. You can burn as much gas as you like without going anywhere.
One way to act while you analyze is to identify actions you can take which will not be considered wasted effort. For instance, if you’re analyzing how to better market your real estate services, updating your new office information on your yard signs and website won’t be wasted effort. This includes “instant wins,” or small actions you can take which won’t be negated by a larger change in strategy. (Discovering your website’s lead form is broken and fixing it certainly won’t hurt.)
Additionally, as you perform your analysis, you may find actions you can take which will help inform your analysis. Let’s say you’ve lost a couple of listings to other agents. Sending a follow-up letter to ask those lost clients why they decided not to work with you isn’t wasted effort. It will take time for them to get back to you, and what you learn might direct your problem solving efforts down new avenues. Ask yourself: What can I put in motion that I will probably need down the line?
What can you do here and now, knowing what you know? What can be done regardless of what you don’t know? Don’t put your life off waiting for perfection.
