How to Stop Thinking and Start Doing – The Right Time to Take Action is Now
Preparing and planning are severely overrated. Things would never get underway if we spent an inordinate amount of time preparing for them. One last edit round and then I’ll submit my article, let me research some more options before I commit to anyone, one last talk with the investors and I’ll make a great proposal for my start-up…do these situations sound familiar?
“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.”
-Arnold Glasow
If you’ve always believed that elaborate preparation guarantees success, it’s time to understand that this formula for success is seriously flawed. Nothing guarantees success. It’s the outcome of many moving parts, many of which are not in our control. I don’t mean to preach that preparing is not essential.
I have been an advocate for proper planning since forever. Many times things fall apart because proper planning and preliminary preparation were skipped or weren’t carried out properly. But, the other side of the coin is that some people get stuck in the planning and preparation stage, trying to perfect everything. It’s prudent to analyze situations, anticipate outcomes, and do the required preparations.
The problem comes when you over-prepare. You may be more than ready to take action, but you perceive the opposite. And the longer you prepare, the more you want to delay taking action unnecessarily. There are a lot of reasons why this happens. One of the major ones is analysis paralysis.
“Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear.”
-Norman Vincent Peale
The main problem with over-planning is the longer you plan, the longer you’re not in the marketplace. By the time you’re ready to present your ideas or start working, the window of opportunity may have been claimed by someone more proactive. If you find yourself constantly putting off action and fretting too much about preparation, the strategies below can really help you get moving:
1. Face Your Fear of Failure
Let experiences guide you. You don’t have to be perfect all the time. Failure is just success turned inside out. These words may sound cliché but can considerably ease your analysis paralysis tendencies. If you find yourself always ending up in the same rut, then you need to learn to overcome your analysis paralysis prone thinking and apply it so that you can finally take some action.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
-Dale Carnegie
To quote an analogy, have you ever noticed how birds teach their young ones to fly? They simply push them out of the nest, not once fearing what will happen if the baby injures itself. They rely on experience and instinct, not preparation. Many a times, they fail but that doesn’t stop them from trying again.
Experiential learning strengthens your instincts and over time, you start understanding what will work and what won’t. But this will happen only if you expose yourself to failure. You need to be open to learning maybe even from those you consider under qualified to teach.
2. Follow the 80/20 Rule
Focus on your best assets and use them to create maximum value – this is the core principle behind the 80/20 rule. And it has helped businesses grow their revenues and individuals make the most out of their productive hours.
Identify those 20% requirements that can give 80% of the final output. Work backwards from the product you’ve envisioned and list out all the components that you plan to put into it. Then, drill down upon the essentialities (“must-haves”, must not be more than 20% of total required input) and keep the “good to have” for a later time. If you put together the must-haves you’ll have a fully-functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP)and will be able to do MVP testing. Minimum investment for maximum output- now, that’s productivity. Improvisation can happen later. Don’t let the details bog you down.
3. Get Moving
Have you been putting off something for the longest time, citing under-preparedness as the reason? A task that you don’t particularly enjoy? A meeting you’ve been worried about? Preparation here may be your excuse for escapism.
“There is only one proof of ability – action.”
-Marie Ebner-Eschenbach
Take a small step towards your goal. If you fail, try plan B. The best thing about experimenting on a small scale is that you won’t suffer huge losses as you could if your elaborate planning met an adverse end. Adversities also teach us something valuable. Take those teachings and incorporate them in your next steps.
And if your micro step fares well, you’ll feel bolstered to go ahead. Since you’ve already committed to the task, there are lesser chances of a rollback and going forward is the only way out.
Setting internal deadlines can work wonders for people who find themselves spending way too much time preparing than doing. Build urgency into your system, perhaps write down goals or mark on a calendar. And be relentless about these deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Commitment to action is not something you’ll achieve overnight. You will have to push yourself and fight tendencies to fall back into old patterns. Instead of accepting your inaction, always try to find the cause for it, and learn ways to overcome it.
You need to keep moving forward in order to achieve your dreams and stay true to your visions and that includes finding your shortcomings and tackling them head on so that you don’t blame yourself for not going after what you want.
After all, by taking no action all we do is make sure that we don’t succeed. So, why not use all the planning and preparing and take on the world while you still can?
Motivation
Corporate Gifts in the UK: Trends, Tips, and Effective Practices
In the bustling world of business, it’s the little things that often mean the most. As we navigate the evolving landscape of corporate gifting in the UK, it’s time we shed a light on the trends steering the ship and the golden rules that make a gift go from ‘meh’ to ‘marvellous’. Buckle up, because we’re about to sprinkle a little magic on the corporate world!
The Bespoke Wonderland
Imagine receiving a gift that WonderDays specially selected for you, with every last detail calling your name! Bespoke gifts are all about that; they echo familiarity, a hint of homeliness in the corporate jungle. It’s about crafting experiences that resonate with individual tastes, championing the uniqueness of every relation. So, let’s champion gifts that tell a story, shall we?
The Green Revolution
We are all aboard the sustainability train, aren’t we? The corporate gifting scene is no different, with businesses now leaning towards green and glorious options.
It’s all about marrying elegance with responsibility, choosing gifts that hold meaning while treading lightly on our dear earth. Trust us; a little green goes a long way!
Supporting Local Artisans
Oh, how we love a gift that tells a tale of craftsmanship and passion! Turning to the local artisans of the UK and the vibrant stages of the West End theatre shows, we find treasures steeped in stories, waiting to add a splash of authenticity and warmth to corporate gifting.
The Ethical Compass
We know the rules can be a tad bit dizzying, but hey, we’ve got to play it fair and square, right? Navigating the legal pathways ensures our gifting adventures are both delightful and above board. It’s a delicate dance, balancing joy with responsibility, crafting memories while staying within the golden lines of ethics.
Personal Touch
Gifts that scream ‘you’ are the ones that hit home, aren’t they? Delving into the realm of personalisation, we uncover gifts that speak to the heart, echoing understanding, and shared moments. Let’s champion gifts that aren’t just objects but mirrors reflecting shared stories, memories, and a sprinkle of personal magic.
Tech-Tastic Surprises
Ah, the joy of unveiling a tech gadget that promises to sprinkle a little ease and a lot of fun in daily routines!
The corporate world is embracing tech gifts that are sleek, useful, and oh-so-cool. Think of gifts that are a nod to the future, promising not just utility but a dash of wonder and the joy of exploration.
Gifts that Live and Breathe
Who said gifts have to come in boxes? Experiential gifts are the talk of the town, offering adventures, learning experiences, and moments that live on in memories. It’s about gifting experiences that resonate, offering a slice of joy that goes beyond the tangible, diving deep into the world of experiences that exhilarate the senses.
ROI – The Cherry on the Cake
Yes, we’re talking business, but who says it can’t be delightful? Understanding the ROI of corporate gifting brings a new dimension to the scene, ensuring the act of giving circles back, fostering connections, nurturing relationships, and bringing a ray of sunshine in the corporate corridors.
As we embrace the vibrant world of corporate gifting in the UK, let’s remember that at the heart of it all lies the joy of connecting, of understanding, and of crafting memories that resonate. So, as you step into this journey, may your gifts echo warmth, understanding, and a sparkle of joy that lights up the corporate world, one magical gift at a time.
Motivation
6 Housing Options People are Turning to as Prices Continue to Climb
There’s no denying the housing market has been anything but smooth sailing for both renters and buyers. For one, interest rate hikes have made mortgages less affordable for most of the population, which has left buyers looking to invest in property having to find alternative housing options that fit their budgets.
Another complication driving buyers towards other options is that there are not enough houses to meet demand, so many buyers lose multiple bids and then get tired of the chase. Losing 10 bids in a row will make the house hunting journey lose all its excitement very quickly.
It’s no wonder other options such as a container home start to become more appealing. Which housing option would be right for you, then? Let’s dive in.
First, Why is the Housing Market Under Strain?
For years, the US enjoyed low interest rates that allowed buyers to secure affordable mortgages but with inflation rates rising and the cost of living at record highs, the interest rate honeymoon has officially ended. Higher mortgages for landlords have also pushed up the prices of rentals, making them much less affordable.
As we mentioned above, most houses end up fetching higher than their asking price after bidding wars, where many would-be buyers miss out on their dream home more than once. You can imagine how absolutely disheartening this is, because after all, there is a lot of emotion tied to buying a home.
Naturally, buyers who keep ending up disappointed and back to square one after every offer they put in will eventually feel like giving up. Many have turned to alternative housing solutions that offer a more minimalistic, affordable and nomadic lifestyle.
Storage Units
One surprising alternative housing option that is starting to gain momentum is designing a micro home within a shipping container. They can be decked out with windows and doors and fitted with a kitchen and bathroom. Containers are generally 20ft long, so they’re unassumingly big and can fit a fair amount of furniture in the interior. While compact, shipping containers offer portability, so they can be assembled in beautiful locations such as the woodlands or on a lake.
Tiny Homes
What started with a few documentaries about people living in tiny homes has turned into something of a social movement with people across the world downscaling their living situations for smaller homes.
The tiny house movement advocates for a simplified life with less “stuff”, giving you more financial freedom to travel and invest in experiences. These homes are fashioned from sheds, playhouses, containers and even tree houses, with some even being small enough to be popped onto a trailer for nomadic homeowners.
Houseboats
If you’ve ever been to London and taken a stroll along the River Thames, you will notice a number of houseboats anchored to the dock. While it may be a foreign concept to some and turn the stomachs of those who suffer from motion sickness, the concept of a houseboat is nothing new in most countries around the world.
House boats offer a compact living space for those who are adventure seekers and water lovers. They are also motorized to take you on relaxing cruises within the body of water your boat is located in. Drinks at sunset on your private houseboat deck sounds like the perfect way to destress after a long day.
RVs
Many families and couples have sold their traditional homes in favor of adopting a more nomadic lifestyle by renovating RVs to hit the road in style. You can really go all out with sprucing up your RV, going so far as to install laminate floors, quartz kitchen counters, chandeliers and soak-in tubs.
Being on the road doesn’t mean you have to give up the luxuries and comforts you are accustomed to. While undoubtedly more compact, RVs can offer a comfortable way of life for those seeking adventure.
Shared Housing
Many homeowners purchased homes while the interest rates were still low and then struggled to cover their mortgage repayments when they were hit with big price hikes. Of course, the banks and repo man don’t care that you suddenly can’t afford your repayments, so you need to make a plan.
What many people who found themselves in this situation have done is share their home with a friend, family member or advertise for a roommate. This way, you are getting help with your mortgage repayment through your roommate’s rent and can manage your repayments more comfortably.
Airbnb Empty Rooms or Self-contained Cottages
If you have an empty ensuite room in your home or a self-contained cottage on the property, you can rent it out through Airbnb and bring in a decent income that can help you pay off your mortgage faster.
Final Thoughts
Despite a tumultuous housing market making the barriers to entry for homeowners much more difficult, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. The trend of adopting an alternative lifestyle with a mobile home, finding a roommate or renting out a portion of your home all offer ways to own a home for less in these tough times.
Motivation
Strategies for Building an Effective Dota 2 Team
Competitive video game tournaments have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many players vying to be part of the best Dota 2 teams. For those unfamiliar with the game, Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed and published by Valve Corporation. In the game, two teams of five players battle for control of a map and try to destroy the other team’s ancient structure ultimately.
Players from all over the world come together in teams to compete in professional tournaments and leagues, with the top teams and players winning massive prize pools. Dota 2 is a complex game, and in order to be successful, each team needs to have a balance between individual skill, team synergy, and understanding of the meta. Here are the other strategies for building an effective Dota 2 team.
Consider the Individual Skills of Each Team Member
In order to create an effective Dota 2 team, it is important to consider the individual skills of each team member. A successful team is composed of players who can work well together to execute strategies, coordinate objectives, and ultimately win. It is also important to remember that each team member brings unique abilities to the team, and these skills must be taken into account when forming a team. By fully utilizing each player’s unique abilities, teams can create a powerful synergy that makes them stronger as a unit.
Develop a Team Strategy and Plan
A powerful team strategy and plan are essential for any Dota 2 team looking to be successful. Not only does it provide an advantage against opponents, but it is a crucial tool for team coordination, team building, and communication. With a well-thought-out and structured team strategy and plan, players have a clear understanding of the team’s expectations and goals. This allows the team to see the bigger picture, think creatively, and come up with the most effective strategies in order to capitalize on the strengths and capitalize on weaknesses of their opponents.
Foster Team Communication and Collaboration
In a competitive Dota 2 match, communication and collaboration are essential. It is important to bring players together who understand each other and can work together to develop a strategy that will be successful. Communication and collaboration allow the team to make decisions quickly and efficiently so that all five team members can work together in harmony and understand the importance of their individual roles.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Identifying individual team members’ strengths and weaknesses is the key to unlocking a successful, productive, and cohesive team. It’s an important part of team building and can be the difference between success and failure.
When you have a clear understanding of each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, you can leverage them to create an effective team. For example, suppose you have one team member who is particularly strong when it comes to strategy and analysis. In that case, you can assign them tasks that require those skills while assigning other tasks to team members that excel in other areas.
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