Fire, Aim, Get Ready: The Balance Between Planning and Taking Action

Too many people are stuck in an endless loop of planning, strategizing, and overthinking. As Gary Vaynerchuk pointed out, “Too much reading/watching/listening... not enough action.” Many of us can relate to this sentiment—spending too much time trying to perfect our plans only to delay the real progress that comes from action.

Yet, as I shared in response, it’s not about disregarding planning altogether; there’s certainly value in a well-thought-out strategy. The real challenge lies in finding that delicate balance between planning and execution—between “aiming” and taking the shot.

The Paralysis of Overplanning

Too many people fall into the trap of "analysis paralysis." The fear of making mistakes or not having everything perfectly aligned stops them from moving forward. This constant state of preparation leads to stagnation—months or even years pass by, and nothing changes.

The truth is that perfection is an illusion. Waiting for the perfect moment often means missing opportunities. As Wayne Gretzky famously said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." Gretzky may have been one of the greatest hockey players of all time, but he also missed more shots than most. That’s the secret to his success: he kept shooting. He knew that action is the only path to results, which is true in business and life.

Why Action is Essential for Growth

Action is where actual growth happens. Think about it—some of the most successful entrepreneurs didn’t wait for a perfect plan before starting. They took risks, made mistakes, learned from them, and adjusted their strategies. In doing so, we discover what works and what doesn’t. By taking that first step, we open ourselves to a world of learning opportunities, connections, and insights that no planning could ever prepare us for.

I suggest that you consider SpaceX as another prime example. Elon Musk's rocket company has blown up plenty of rockets in its quest to perfect reusable space travel. But those failures were necessary stepping stones toward innovation and eventual success. Musk didn’t stop because of those missteps—he embraced them, learning from each one. His philosophy is to fail fast, learn faster, and move forward. This is the essence of taking action.

In sales, this is especially true. You can spend months developing the perfect pitch, but you won't know how your message resonates until you pick up the phone or engage with a prospect. Inaction doesn’t teach you anything—doing does.

The Role of Strategy: Plan but Don’t Get Stuck

Now, I’m not suggesting that you throw caution to the wind and charge ahead without planning. A strategy lays the groundwork for successful execution, but it should be seen as a guide, not a rigid blueprint. In sales and business, things change quickly, and you need to adapt just as fast.

I prefer the "Fire, Aim, Get Ready" approach. Start with action—whether that’s reaching out to potential clients, testing a new product, or launching a campaign. Once you’ve fired your first shot, aim by evaluating what worked and what didn’t. Then, get ready for your next step, incorporating what you’ve learned to improve your future actions.

Embrace Failure as Part of the Process

One of the most significant barriers to action is the fear of failure. But here’s the thing: failure is inevitable. Whether you spend years planning or jump in immediately, you’ll face challenges and setbacks. The difference is that those who act learn from their mistakes and strengthen, while those who wait stay in the same place, missing valuable lessons.

SpaceX’s frequent rocket explosions didn’t mean they were doing things wrong—it meant they were learning faster. Like in sales, every "no" you hear is an opportunity to refine your approach. You cannot learn from opportunities you never take, and you certainly cannot improve if you never try.

When I coach sales teams or executives, I always emphasize the importance of embracing failure as a part of the process. It’s not a sign that you’ve done something wrong—it’s a sign that you’re growing, experimenting, and moving forward. Each failure brings you closer to success because it provides invaluable feedback.

The Magic of Momentum

Momentum is powerful. Once you start taking consistent action, things begin to fall into place. You build confidence, gain insights, and start seeing results. This momentum creates a snowball effect, leading to bigger and better opportunities.

In sales, momentum is critical. You create a cycle of continuous improvement by regularly engaging with prospects, testing different approaches, and refining your strategies based on real-world feedback. This sets high performers apart from those who get stuck in the planning phase—they act, learn, and keep moving forward.

Conclusion: Just Start

The key takeaway is simple: Just start. Take that first step, even if it feels uncomfortable. The best plans evolve through action, and the momentum you build will far outweigh any benefits of waiting for the perfect strategy.

So, stop debating, stop overthinking, and start doing. Whether in sales, starting a new business, or pursuing a personal goal, action is the catalyst that will drive your success.

Call to Action: Are you ready to get moving and stop over-planning? Connect with me, and let’s work together to transform your ideas into action that drives real results!

#ActionOverPerfection #FailFastLearnFaster #MomentumMatters #DoThenLearn #JustStartNow