We needlessly postpone action while seeking the wise counsel of sages or scrolling the internet to pursue knowledge we think is a prerequisite. In most cases, the answer is already within us or unnecessary. A lack of will, not knowledge, often inhibits our next right action.
Need to Know?
Consider all of the wellness schemes touted on TV and social media. We eagerly desire an Oracle of Delphi-like pronouncement about a superfood, juicing program, or fasting regime (to supplement our get-slim-quick semaglutide drugs).
Yes, these programs can work, but there is nothing new under the sun. You know that any effective, enduring program is some derivation of eating less and better or moving more, not grounded in a coffee enema or a shot of apple cider vinegar.
We yearn for the exotic solution so we can “justifiably” delay until better informed or leave it untried as too burdensome. The apparent solution denies us procrastination or the relief found in an excuse.
But…
What about the age-old wisdom of “look before you leap,” “measure twice, cut once,” and “learn from your elders”? What about the virtue of “considering the big picture” and undertaking strategic planning? These principles are valuable, but we impose them where unwarranted.
If you want more sales, you could thoroughly analyze your brand positioning statement, total addressable market, target consumer, trade dress, marketing communications, etc., to devise a comprehensive go-forward plan to drive revenue growth.
Alternatively, you could call five current customers who could buy more from your company and the five ideal prospects you have daydreamed about who could benefit from your products.
Careful deliberation is appropriate, but we overuse it. We cannot let feelings of unpreparedness prevent us from doing what we can. Otherwise, inaction costs us the gain possible from the known, next right thing. Sometimes, it may be all you need to do.
Did you know everything about your potential relationship partners before sliding into their DMs? Of course not; you knew enough to suggest compatibility and took the next step to learn more.
Caveat
Of course, some issues require subject matter expertise or an independent viewpoint. You must graduate from law school before representing a defendant in a capital murder trial, but you do not need a seminary degree to teach Sunday school. A trusted associate’s counsel is essential when you find OxyContin in your son’s bedroom, or your daughter is a victim of a crime.
An inclination toward action is not an excuse to be unprepared or reckless. Use good judgment and do your homework, but you do not need to pursue a college degree. You should review a prospect’s product catalog, but you likely do not need to know every state where the company operates before your first overture.
Bottom Line
Before deferring action based on a belief you do not have the necessary knowledge or preparation, ask yourself, “Is it true?” If there is a legitimate deficiency, correct it, but do not let the gap stop you from executing based on your current insight. If you are still hesitant, you may need to promise yourself, as discussed here.
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Frequently, the issue is not knowing the right thing to do; it is having the will to do what is right.