Tag: execution

One day or day 1?

The ancient eastern philosopher Lao Tzu wrote “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Beginning the journey is the most important. You often think of things you would like to do and the person you want to become, but are you willing to take the first step of that journey? You can say to your self “One day, I will accomplish my goals” or you can say “Today is day 1. The first day I take action toward leading the life I want.”

In the realm of personal growth and achievement, two distinct approaches emerge: dreaming about a desired future and taking action from day 1 to turn those dreams into reality. Both approaches have their merits, but they lead to vastly different outcomes. While imagination is required to create a vision for a better future, only taking the first step will unleash the transformative power of executing a thousand mile journey.

Dreaming: Fueling the Imagination

Dreaming serves as the initial spark that ignites our passion and creativity. It’s the moment when we envision a future that is better, brighter, and more fulfilling. Dreams can inspire us, give us hope, and encourage us to push our limits. However, they remain within the realm of our thoughts until they are translated into action.

Taking Action from Day 1: Turning Dreams into Reality

Dreams can remain in the abstract realm if not accompanied by action. Taking action from the outset is the driving force that transforms dreams into tangible results. Rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment, start executing on your dreams now to harness momentum and to overcome challenges.

Benefits of Taking Action Early

  • Momentum: Initiating action immediately creates momentum, propelling you forward with a sense of purpose.
  • Learning Opportunities: Early action exposes you to valuable learning experiences, enabling growth and adaptation.
  • Overcoming Procrastination: Taking the first step helps overcome the inertia of procrastination that can hinder progress.
  • Building Habits: Early action lays the foundation for productive habits that contribute to long-term success.
  • Iterative Improvement: Starting early allows for iterative improvement and adjustment based on real-world feedback.

Downsides of Delayed Action

  • Loss of Enthusiasm: Delayed action can lead to a loss of enthusiasm and a fading of the initial passion that accompanied the dream.
  • Missed Opportunities: Waiting too long to act might mean missing out on time-sensitive opportunities.
  • Regret and What-Ifs: Inaction can lead to regrets and a constant wondering about what could have been achieved.
  • Stagnation: Stagnation and complacency can set in, preventing personal growth and development.

Finding Balance

While taking action from day 1 is powerful, it’s essential to strike a balance. Rushing without proper planning can lead to burnout or poor decision-making. Combining the vision and passion of dreaming with a strategic and thoughtful approach to execution will yield the best results.

In the journey of living a fulfilled life, dreaming and taking action are co-creators. Dreaming sets the stage, igniting our desires and imaginations, while taking action sets the wheels of progress in motion. The true power lies in the fusion of these two approaches, where passion is channeled into purposeful action, driving us steadily towards the realization of our aspirations. So, dream big, but remember that the most incredible dreams are those we dare to pursue with unwavering determination from the very first day.

Today is day 1. Tomorrow will be built upon the foundation we lay today. Take one action that moves you toward the life you want to lead.

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Focus on the Inputs

I naturally enjoy planning. As a kid, I used to make elaborate drawings of skyscrapers I wanted to build. As an adult, I like to look at different certifications I can get, competitions I could enter and hobbies I could take part in. Execution, however, is a different story. I often struggle following through on my grand plans.

Yesterday, millions of people decided to make a New Year’s resolution. Unfortunately, most of them will give up before February. I used to be one of these people. I would make a resolution, but life would get in the way. Executing the plan seemed too difficult. Results didn’t come fast enough. I would get bored, distracted, discouraged and frustrated.

Then I found a better way to plan.

Most resolutions are results oriented:

“I will to lose twenty pounds.” – “I will to read twenty books” – “I will improve my relationships”

These results oriented resolutions fail because 1) they do not tell you what to actually do and 2) they do not give you a path to daily success.

Successful resolutions focus on the inputs rather than the results. Four years ago, I stumbled across this solution by accident. In an effort to complete my results oriented solution to run a half marathon, I made a second resolution to run three times a week. Better yet, I decided I would run in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This gave me a resolutions I could control and focused on the daily inputs that drive toward a long term objective.

Input oriented resolutions are more likely to be successful, because they prescribe the action you need to take on a daily basis.

“I will eat 2 servings of vegetables at each meal.” – “I will read for thirty minutes every morning” – “I will call my mom every Wednesday at 5p”

Not only do these prescribe the necessary action, but they give you a way to accomplish your resolution today. Every day I got my run in was a victory. The specificity of the resolution allowed me to know exactly what to do and when I was going to do it. Execution was still a struggle, but I had removed several barriers simply in the way I structured the goal.

I ended up completing my half marathon. More importantly, I learned how to succeed at making life-altering resolutions. Focusing on the inputs has allowed me to continue running, and add several other healthy habits to my life over the last four years. As you contemplate your resolution (or contemplate if you should make one), look for the ways you can identify the inputs that will lead you to success.

Change doesn’t come overnight. Execution will be a struggle. But you have the ability to take control of your life; to drive toward the best version of yourself. Making a resolution that focuses on the inputs will start you down the path that leads to success.

Indy Mini Marathon

For further reading on successful execution, I would recommend the 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, & Jim Huling. It is business oriented, but can be applied to your personal life.

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