Have you ever run into a problem and immediately rushed to find something new to solve it?
It’s a natural reaction, and it might be doing you harm.
Now, I’m convinced of the value of having or fostering a bias toward action (vs. pontification). Particularly when it comes to your business.
But it’s important not to confuse haste with speed.
Let me tell you about our washing machine.
We got a fancy-schmancy front loader before our first (young James) was born. We wanted to cloth-diaper (him), and we’d read that front loaders are better for that.
We convinced our landlord to install it in our kitchen. (Thanks, John!)
One year later, we bought a house, putting us up one washer (the owners left the set that was there, as you do).
Fast-forward 10 years to just about the exact day our washer’s warranty runs out…
Yup. Kerplunk.
And fixing it would cost the same as buying a new one. And only might work.
“But…” the repair guy said, eyeing the washer that came with the house.
The one we forgot we even had, sitting in the corner covered with wood scraps and 10 years of dust. “If that one works, you’re good. It’s pretty much the best washer ever made.”
It totally worked.
And you know what? I like it even better.
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Old faithful in the top spot, while the burnt-out young pup skulks behind. |
The point is, before rushing into “new solution” mode, take stock of what you already have. Let that be your first “action.”
What you’ve got might do the job just as well (or even better).
Wish-washily,
James
P.S. Yes, the washing machines have taken on a somewhat Thomas the Tank Engine storyline in my mind.
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