Part Deux: Something completely different...

I've been blogging about marketing and communications for a long time. So I'm going off script to share my four rules for living.

Ready? Here they are.

 

Show up.
Pay attention.
Think before you act.
Act before you think too much.

Simple enough, huh? Yeah, until you try to live them!

 

Remember, the first two were about being PRESENT.  Here are the last two.
 

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Do you ever feel like you just need to DO SOMETHING? Be careful. That urge may be a form of avoidance. Is there something important you’re ducking or putting off?   Lack of thinking can also lead to the READY-FIRE-AIM syndrome.  That's when you do something and then say "Oh, shucks.  That missed the mark.  There goes a bunch of money."
 

Rather than pulling the trigger too soon, consider your objectives. Are you trying to increase your share in a market? Build sales? Will your action take you further along the path to your goals or will it lead you in another direction?
 

ACT BEFORE YOU THINK TOO MUCH.

Sometimes we get stuck. We’re so afraid of taking a wrong step we don’t move at all. Analysis paralysis. Inaction leaves us in limbo – an uncomfortable and stressful place.

Thinking before you act is good. Thinking too much is not good. Where’s the line between enough and too much? Good question.  If you find you're stuck, try taking a small step and watch the results.  Taking initiative by taking action can break you out of that stuck place.