Just Do It – Dive In

Several years ago an advertisement ran in a local newspaper advertising an open Executive Assistant position. The advertisement identified the responsibilities expected of the position and listed the salary at $50,000. A month later the exact same advertisement ran in exactly the same paper with the only difference being the salary which was raised to $250,000. Which advertisement do you suppose drew the greatest response? If you said the lower salary you are correct. In fact, it drew 10 times greater response.

This is a wonderful example of “Self Sabotage”…believing that we can’t accomplish something vs. assuming the positive first. Self-sabotage is evident in many phases of our lives. When presented with a new opportunity our natural reaction is to think of the reasons why we can’t fulfill the responsibilities rather than having confidence that we can accomplish the task.

The core of self-sabotage is fear, (an acronym that stands for False Expectations Appearing Real). It reminds me of the story of a near death thirsty dog pacing around a water hole in the midst of a blistering hot desert. Each time the dog approached the water it saw its reflection and, assuming this was another dog protecting its territory, it became frightened and withdrew. This went on for considerable time until eventually, out of necessity, the dog cast away its fear and leapt into the water; at which time the ‘other dog’ vanished.

Are your thoughts building barriers that are preventing you from achieving the progress necessary to become more successful? Have you hesitated undertaking a new marketing strategy for fear of failure? Perhaps you have wanted to make some personnel changes to your team, but have resisted. Success is built around taking action and not hesitation. The next time you begin self-sabotaging yourself ask yourself:

• “What are my doubts based on?”
• “What will these doubts cost me if I continue not taking action?”
• “What benefits will I or my business realize by taking the action?”

I’m not suggesting that you avoid considering the pros and cons before taking action. To the contrary, I suggest testing and measuring the outcome of the proposed action on a sample audience, if possible, before fully implementing. What I am recommending is that more often than not, making even a bad decision is better than making no decision at all.

Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, once stated that “Indecision has cost the American people and the American government billions of dollars, far more than a bad decision would have cost.” (from “Selling in Tough Times”, Tom Hopkins). Too often people wait until the perfect moment before undertaking an action or making a decision, but there rarely is a perfect time to start. Quit waiting until you are absolutely ready…you may never be. If training or education is necessary before undertaking an action or strategy, then go get the education or coaching you need. Just Do It…get started. If you make a mistake, you will learn from the experience and be wiser the next time.

What self-limiting beliefs are holding you back? After careful consideration, stop hesitating and “JUST DO IT”. You will be much further ahead of where you were when hesitation and indecision held you back. Enjoy your progress.

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Jeff works with owners of local companies to help them achieve the success they desire and desire from their businesses and their teams. By coaching his clients in the areas of Time, Team, Selling and Money, Jeff equips them with the tools they need to run their businesses successfully. He can be reach at 404.444.1836 or jefflovejoy@actioncoach.com.