Today’s business world is competitive.  Everyone knows that.  Considering global economic uncertainties, volatile stock markets and market conditions, the trap of debt, and those finicky clients, business today almost demands a conservative approach.  But, to do so risks opportunity lost. 

     So where’s that balance.  One extreme leaves you meticulously planning all day, and not really getting anything progressive or meaningful done.  The other extreme has you wandering aimlessly, not really certain of where you are going, or how you’ll know it when you get there.  Going Mach 4 with your hair on fire, and burning out because you have no direction.

     Are you ‘waiting to have your ducks in a row’?  And how about your competitors?  Are they waiting for perfection, or are they counting on you to be the one doing so while they are the ones who press on?

     Successful businesses are the ones that move forward with their goals, even if they haven’t got it all figured out yet.  They have momentum, and that’s what they strive to keep.  They set clear expectations, they manage those expectations, and they minimize risk, but they move forward.  They focus on what they want, and do something to obtain it.

     Some thoughts on how to bust Paralysis by Analysis:

1)   Drop the need for perfection – No one is perfect.  Instead, strive to be the best.  Wasting time on trying to be perfect may very well freeze you in the process, leaving you in your competitor’s dust.

2)   Embrace ‘Ready-Fire-Aim’ instead of ‘Ready-Aim-Fire’ – Taking a first step will create the momentum you need that perfection may sometimes prevent.  Take a well-informed shot, see where you’ve missed your target, and adjust accordingly.  A body in motion stays in motion.

3)   Establish deadlines – Be realistic when doing this, and don’t set yourself up for failure.  If you pursue deadlines with intent, you will usually meet them.

4)   Adopt the buddy system – Ask for help when you need it, should you find yourself off course.  Every good employee wants to be held accountable.  They want to succeed.  Accountability can be a huge asset in determining a successful outcome.

5)   Make quick decisions – If you make a decision quickly, you can take action quickly.  If you are taking action quickly, you are gaining momentum quickly.  See the trend?

     You can sit and think about it all day.  It still won’t get done without action.