The shortest two power sentences in the English language are “No,” and “Go.” Mastering the application of these two concepts is critical to the influence and effectiveness of both vocational and avocational pursuits. The things we say no to and that which we undertake ultimately shape the experiences, contributions and legacy of every human being.

Momentum and progress are rarely, if ever, achieved by overloading with too many commitments. Waiting for perfect conditions, information and skills places a death sentence on good ideas.

As Robert Greenleaf has written: “On an important decision, one rarely has 100% of the information needed for a good decision, no matter how much one spends or how long one waits. And, if one waits too long, he has a different problem and has to start all over. This is the terrible dilemma of the hesitant decision-maker.”

Getting started

In all endeavors and journeys, be they grand or ordinary, there is one commonality, one decision upon which all else rests — taking the first step, which sets in motion all manner of adventure.

Of course, any undertaking of consequence ought to be predicated upon an awareness of the costs and benefits — the trade-offs and risks — in addition to being backed by the best available (not best possible) information, resourcing and talent.

Regardless of the magnitude of the attempt, extent of resources, experience or skills, it always comes back to the choice to take the first step.

Action required

As Mark Twain observed so long ago: “Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often!”

It is one thing to have a plan and to express intent; but, without action, to do so is mere dreaming. Only via the catalyst of action can a dream become an aspiration with a chance to become reality.

Intention turns to action when goals are clarified and assigned mileposts. For example, expressing intent — the need to build a budget — is not actionable. However, “creating a draft budget by next Wednesday and beginning by building a comparison spreadsheet of the past three years of expenditures and revenues by end of business tomorrow” sets the goal and the first step coupled with deadlines.

The final piece of the puzzle is to then say no to other activities that are peripheral.

Yet, action remains a rarity even in our time. Perhaps it is the notion that our action must be epic, grand, the proverbial leap into the cosmos of the unknown that holds us back. Fear of all varieties, self-doubt, overthinking and all the other sources of resistance conspire to anchor us to the status quo.

If these are the barriers, I offer the words of our late friend and Iowa stockman Dave Nichols: “Columbus didn’t stand around arguing about whether the earth was round or flat; he just got in the boat.”