Home » Education & Career » Employment Satisfaction » Great ideas fizzle without action

Great ideas fizzle without action

© Kelly L. Henderson

In a world where so many people seem to bound about thoughtlessly, making choices on a whim, and never thinking about the consequences, it seems like heresy to suggest that there are some of us around who do perhaps a tinge too much of the stuff - thinking, that is.

I know I am one of the main offenders. I've lost track of the number of original, creative, solid, and yes, excellent, ideas I have talked myself out of over the years.

Here's an example to illustrate: I've been contemplating creating a newsletter. Here are some of the thoughts I've had about it: What if nobody likes it? What if nobody subscribes? What if I run out of things to write about? What if I get writer's block? What if I miss a deadline? What if I offend somebody? What if somebody is angered by something I write? What if somebody receives it who didn't subscribe? All this before the horse even leaves the gate!

The reality is there are many unknowns in life. Nobody can guarantee for me that my newsletter will be helpful, informative, on time, and always get where it's supposed to go.

There is no doubt that it is a good thing to consider all the options when you are trying to make a decision to do something. It's a good thing, too, to be aware of possible outcomes. That's all part of sound and thoughtful planning.

But what about when you think and think and think about that excellent idea of yours until you think it right out of existence?

An excellent idea cannot fail as long as you never allow it to reach fruition. In the security of your head it remains a raging success, an idea before its time. It can never be scorned, laughed at, or rejected.

But what good is it residing in your head? It helps nobody, least of all you. And it has no chance of becoming a success.

Remember, not only is there a fifty percent chance your great idea may fail - there's a fifty percent chance your idea may succeed!

Does any of this sound like you? If so I salute your thoughtfulness. But sometimes you have to step out of the safe haven of your head and just DO.