NOTHING is more important than ACTION! not even planning...

15 years ago

I think that if I know the basics of crossing the road and take action to get to the other side without planning for the possibility of a bus coming towards me at speed, I'm squashed.

I work better when I'm not squashed. I think we all do.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Fiction Ideas Writing Software: Ignite Your Inspiration: Create Illustrated Plots You Can Even Sell!

Plot short fiction, long fiction, even outline non-fiction * Edit the question prompts to suit your genre * Easily export text and image files for use with your word processor or Scrivener.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342775].message }}

Li Weng

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Diana Lane

I think that if I know the basics of crossing the road and take action to get to the other side without planning for the possibility of a bus coming towards me at speed, I'm squashed.

I work better when I'm not squashed. I think we all do.

I think if you know the basics of crossing the road, you'd know
to look at traffic lights.

Oh yeah, and not to forget look left and right.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

- Insert backlink here -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342779].message }}

Diana Lane 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

I think if you know the basics of crossing the road, you'd know
to look at traffic lights.

That's assuming that the Information Superhighway is sign-posted and maintained by a body whose sole purpose is to get everyone where they want to go. It's not, and we have to figure out our own personal route for ourselves (sometimes with the help of those we meet along the way, sometimes not). If you want to get from 'A' to 'B', you need to have some kind of plan to get there if your action is not going to lead you to 'C'.

That is not to say that it has to be the world's most detailed plan. You can still get from your front door to the pub if you adjust your course to accommodate any setbacks as they happen, but if you only have a vague idea of where the pub is, you're not going to have much luck getting a beer in the wool shop next door.

Of course action is important. You won't get your beer or your internet millions without it. But taken without some kind of plan in place first, action is likely to get you something unexpected and a whole lot less desirable.
- Thanks
Signature

Fiction Ideas Writing Software: Ignite Your Inspiration: Create Illustrated Plots You Can Even Sell!

Plot short fiction, long fiction, even outline non-fiction * Edit the question prompts to suit your genre * Easily export text and image files for use with your word processor or Scrivener.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343410].message }}

angela99

15 years ago

Interesting. :-)

Planning can cause paralysis, yes.

But a rough plan on an index card saves a lot of useless effort.

At the very least, you should write down:

1. Exactly what you intend to do in 25 words or less: "I intend to set up a blog to market affiliate product __________, which has a gravity of 40, and for which the target market is__________"

2. The deadline, and a list of tasks to complete before the deadline;

3. What assets you have for this project; and those you will need to buy. "I can set up hosting on my host, I need to buy a domain name."

4. Cost of the project, and the potential profits (it's a guess, of course): "Cost: $10; profits -- at three sales a week at $25 each -- $75, which is $300 per month, or $3,600 per year".

5. Time (or money) you need to invest in marketing. "Time: one hour initially for blog setup and keyword research; half an hour a day for 30 days to write 30 articles -- 15 hours total."

The big benefit of your plan: motivation -- you know what you're doing, and why.

Without a plan, you risk spinning your wheels, instead of creating a valuable asset.

Planning needn't be complex -- the above plan would take around ten to 20 minutes.

Cheers

Angela

[ 3 ] Thanks

Signature

Everyone's a writer today. Get personal guidance from Angela.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342799].message }}

GoGetta

15 years ago

I would suggest a rough draft so you do have a direction, but to get into ACTION ASAP!

Analysis does mean Paralysis but a little rough planning can go along way and steer clear from the wrong action!

GoGetta

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342806].message }}

TheInternetWorkshop

15 years ago

I agree Li - action is so very important, but even Jesus knew the value of planning way before the days of Blackberry's and Microsoft Outlook:

Luke 14:28-30

(28) "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (29) Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, (30) Saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish'."

In other words, don't start what you can't finish. And without at least basic planning, you're shooting at a moving target most of the time.

But I completely agree with your "ready, fire, aim" philosophy with taking action. Part 3 of Bill Gates' wealth formula is "taking massive and immediate action". And far too many folks get caught in the paralysis of analysis and NEVER take action (which is why most people stay broke).

So I say find a healthy balance. Take some time to plan - the amount will depend on how long the window of opportunity will be open. Some planning might be as simple as peeking at your checking account balance before you shell out some bucks for a home study course, while other planning might be a few days to do keyword research before launching that $5000 PPC campaign.

And Diane - gosh I hope you don't get squashed crossing the street while hunting beer...

The Crazy Internet Dude

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342825].message }}

Bev Clement

15 years ago

Totally the way to kill a business, if you want to have a business. Without a plan how do you know what to take action on. I know jump from one thing to another, because it is taking action, and see what makes money today

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Your Own Product Created By Top Ghostwriters
WSO - Diet Niche - Massive PLR Package Run Your Own Diet Membership Site
15 Health PLR Books...Price Starts At $10
Writing Course For Higher Pay Days

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342845].message }}

Elmar Sandyck

15 years ago

Hi,

I just read this tread and I agree completely that action is the key ingredient to success, however in my opion planning is a key ingredient too!

Personally I've allways been an action taker and I have allready achieved good results in my businesses BUT... now at this point in my life (I'm still a young guy - only 35) I feel that I could have achieved more if my planning had been better!

So my view on this is : ACTION is a key ingredient, but action without planning or without a clear vision on what you want to achieve is not good either!
You really need both and you need to balance it!

Elmar

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342848].message }}

DonTino

15 years ago

Li I have to agree with you on this,

I know people who had the perfect plan but never made a dime. Why? They simple didn't get a chance to implement it.

Sure you need planning but IMO when taking action, you take action to reach a certain goal, no matter how. All the other things will come to you, intuitively.

Sure you need to plan on how to build your website, blog etc... but you do that right when you are working on this stuff, without the option to put your plan on the side and forget about it. It's basic stuff that comes along when taking action that needs to be planned.

If your plan is too detailed and too long (i.e. took you a week or couple of days to work it out) check when you finished with it if everything in that plan went the way you wanted it to. I am 99% sure it did not.

BTW I got the perfect plan for you:
Check out where you want to go and then just go for it.

Tino

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342858].message }}

grumpyjacksa

15 years ago

yep....especially after you read the book "stuck in beta"

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Ex-ghostwriter now writing exclusive PLR ebooks - Limited PLR Club

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342869].message }}

DonTino 15 years ago

Originally Posted by grumpyjacksa

yep....especially after you read the book "stuck in beta"

What's the book about, tell me about it.

Tino
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342900].message }}

Fabian Tan

15 years ago

Plan AND take action. Doing one or the other only leads to bad things...

All planning, no action - nothing happens

All action, no planning - a lot of bad things happen

Everything great starts with a sound plan.

Fabian

Thanks

Signature

High Quality Solo Ads: Get 100 To 1,000 Quality, Targeted Clicks In The Internet Marketing Niche!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342903].message }}

Joe1204

15 years ago

There is an old proverb that says " Action without vision is a nightmare, vision without action is a dream".
So , the way that action is taken must take into account the context of the situation.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342922].message }}

TheInternetWorkshop 15 years ago

I like that one Joe - I'll have to use it sometime...

CID
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342926].message }}

daddyg

15 years ago

I love that proverb, sums it up perfectly!

I do think there has to be a combination of planning first followed by massive action. But the OP is right that planning can lead to analysis paralysis, particularly for newbie marketers.

One of the biggest problems for anyone starting out in IM is the sheer number of different ways to make money online. Without any previous experience to fall back on, it's very difficult to know the best path to take.

I also think it's important to think about where one's strengths lie and then choose the business model that matches those strengths best. For instance if you are good at writing, then blogging would be a good match. Or if you are an ideas person, then you might be better suited to product creation.

Cheers...Graham

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342953].message }}

John Taylor

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

Stuff the planning! Just take ACTION!

And here's my take on that..

While I appreciate the intent behind your post was to
encourage people to take action, there's major flaw
in your suggestion.

It MUST be the *RIGHT* action.

I know people who took massive action, one guy is still
trying to recover from losing over $10,000 on an ill prepared
PPC campaign. The damage included a maxed out credit
card and a divorce.

If you are going to offer advice on a forum, bear in mind that
many inexperienced people may take you at your word. You
have a responsibility to your readers.

John

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

John's Internet Marketing News, Views & Reviews: John Taylor Online

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342969].message }}

Li Weng

15 years ago

Originally Posted by John Taylor

And here's my take on that..

While I appreciate the intent behind your post was to
encourage people to take action, there's major flaw
in your suggestion.

It MUST be the *RIGHT* action.

I know people who took massive action, one guy is still
trying to recover from losing over $10,000 on an ill prepared
PPC campaign. The damage included a maxed out credit
card and a divorce.

If you are going to offer advice on a forum, bear in mind that
many inexperienced people may take you at your word. You
have a responsibility to your readers.

John

Good call John.

I should say take smart, realistic action with caution and some common sense.

I agree with what everyone's saying here.

But I never said don't plan at all or planning is evil..

I'm just saying start taking action first when you get the general
picture, and then plan more specifically while taking those initial steps,
instead of planning planning planning and no action.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

- Insert backlink here -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343010].message }}

John Taylor

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

Good call John.

I should say take smart, realistic action with caution and some common sense.

I agree with what everyone's saying here.

But I never said don't plan at all or planning is evil..

I'm just saying start taking action first when you get the general
picture, and then plan more specifically while taking those initial steps,
instead of planning planning planning and no action.

Li,

I think using the words "Stuff Planning" is fairly unequivocal and
why I think it's important to question and challenge such posts.

Thanks for clarifying the meaning.

John

Thanks

Signature

John's Internet Marketing News, Views & Reviews: John Taylor Online

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343032].message }}

tommygadget

15 years ago

I was just going to say what John is saying. Taking the wrong action leads to nowhere. Six months later you're posting here about how you're burnt out and haven't made a single penny. Having said that, doing nothing will get you nowhere also, but with a lot less effort

TomG.

Thanks

Signature

$10,000/Month With Adsense? SIX Week Adsense Bootcamp Shows You How! Newbie friendly!

Do Nothing, Make Money!

Live Coaching Via Skype + Killer Bonuses!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[342972].message }}

attitudes

15 years ago

Hi I just wanted to share my perspective on the recession, a lot of people are holding back and sitting on their hands and listening and responding to the "doom and gloom" and like you say, their is nothing more important than ACTION,

I do not believe things are as bad as what our media would like us to think, I believe we are actually in a growth environment

Yes we are seeing Global economic change, and yes their is pain, but I also believe that "inner wealth is greater than outer riches", what I mean by this, is if we put too much value on material outer riches, then yes you would be going through hard times because outer riches are melting and losing value daily

But if we focus more on inner wealth which is based around our character
and we strengthen and change our personal perspective and call upon our internal strength, for example our imagination, vision and creativity, then we will adapt and outperform our expectations

An example of this is my 8 year old daughter, who has currently started a business selling hearts with a positive message, she describes her business as getting to the heart of the matter
and she makes around $40 per hour

This is her own idea--- So there is an abundance of opportunity, wealth does not disappear, it simply changes trends and shows up in different forms and structure, so lets not participate with all the doom and gloom and lets be a light that stands out in a dark place, just like my 8 year old daughter, have a great Xmas and I wish you the best for 2009

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343036].message }}

Joe1204 15 years ago

It doesn't matter which perspective you have about the economy, the fact that it is very volatile.Therefore actions must be taken with careful considerations.
Heard about the layoffs regularly? Is not other ways? Let me have your views.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343092].message }}
- Stephen Crooks 15 years ago
  
  I think everything you do online has to have some sort of plan and schedule with a goal in mind as well. However the process comes unstuck when this planning becomes an excuse to procrastinate.
  
  It is a fine line but I believe that once the plan is drawn up, nothing should get in the way of the action required to make the plan work.
  
  There is no point having yoiur dream all laid out on paper with a time schedule and everything to get there if you don't actually do it.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  Affiliate Marketing Profits 2020 - Step by Step Guides
  How to Make $100 a day Online
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343113].message }}

bgmacaw

15 years ago

I use the OODA Loop - Observe, Orient, Decide and Act, where the philosophy is to operate at a faster tempo than your competitors.

The same cycle operates over a longer timescale in a competitive business landscape, and the same logic applies. Decision makers gather information (observe), form hypotheses about customer activity and the intentions of competitors (orient), make decisions, and act on them. The cycle is repeated continuously. The aggressive and conscious application of the process gives a business advantage over a competitor who is merely reacting to conditions as they occur, or has poor awareness of the situation.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343218].message }}

avandrunen 15 years ago

The ooda loop, interesting, I have never heard of it before.
Designed originally for military strategizing...I think it's cool how so often business and military strategy can be very similar.

OK, onto the whole "to plan or not to plan", that is the quandary here.
I think one has to find the correct balance that works for them, I spent years "planning" to get into IM, once I found this God send of a forum I Planned to purchase a wso and follow it fully to it's conclusion...I am working through Jermy's and Don's bootcamp. I am in the process of building my first niche site...I didn't plan the site out prior to purchasing my hosting or domain...I didn't prebuild the site prior to getting either of these things, if I had I may not even be as far as I am...I needed to take action and invest...as little as it was into my business to put me in a place to lose something if I didn't follow through.

Is planning important...of course...is action important of course...the balance that they take is what differs from person to person, my wife needs to know where we are going, how we are getting there and what we are doing on what days of vacation, I know that on day 1 we get in the car and on Day 10 we get home...theres my plan, the stuff that happens in the middle is the adventure.

Hope my ramblings make some semblance of sense, if not, sorry.

Regards
Adrian
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343316].message }}
- naruq 15 years ago
  
  I believe that you do have to have a rough draft of a plan that keeps you on track. Having said that I think that it is very important that you take consistent action.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  Please do not use affiliate links in signatures
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343327].message }}
  
  mjbmedia 15 years ago
  
  surely planning what you need to do IS TAKING ACTION.
  
  Its moving you in the right direction is it not?
  
  You can take action for a week or two and set up 10 websites but you did not have a plan how to drive traffic to them or monetise them, great for you, youve done something and have some credible evidence to show for it but no cash.
  
  Meanwhile someone else who has been 'only' planning for a week or two then sets up one site , drives traffic to it , monetizes that traffic and can afford a nice holiday from the profits.
  
  i know which Id prefer
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  Mike
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343369].message }}

talfighel

15 years ago

If you know what you should be doing, you need to take action.

I see a lot of people who are even excited about doing something online but don't take action. It is kind of weird.

Maybe it is fear? I don't know. It could be.

ACTION.............Sorry, the right action leads you to your goals.

Tal

Thanks

Signature

Home Business "TOP PICKS"!
Home Business Tools And Resources!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343325].message }}

DonTino

15 years ago

Ok Ok John got me over to his side as well

Even though I still think taking action is the more important part than planning.

Simple just take actions that will help you achieve your goal 100%. If your not sure about an action don't do it unless you are able to deal wit the consequences.

Look for the actions to take that will help getting where you want to and take loads of them.

Tino

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343374].message }}

ShaunAllen

15 years ago

ACTION = CLARITY

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343420].message }}

dhudiburg

15 years ago

There is one *very* key element that no one has mentioned in this discussion: Measurement.

Success doesn't end with Action, it starts there. But you have to measure your results in a consistent and tangible way so that you know what course corrections to make.

A rocket headed for the moon will be off course something like 90% of the time. The planning took place, massive action happened, but without measurement (and subsequent course correction) the rocket has no chance in hell of hitting the moon.

Plan -> Act -> Measure -> Correct (repeat) :-)

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343426].message }}

Ngmedia805

Banned 15 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343760].message }}

angela99 15 years ago

Regarding action, and an "index card" plan as outlined on my previous post, here's something else a plan will do -- it stops you from deciding way too early that something doesn't work, and flittering on to the next thing like some demented butterfly.

When you're learning anything, IM included, you don't know what you don't know, and you certainly have no concept of how long things take to work for you.

My rule of thumb is that any new project takes around three months to show serious, long term results.

If you have no plan, then you'll stop a project way too soon -- usually just a couple of inches from success. Then you'll tell anyone who'll listen to you that "IM doesn't work".

Most new IMers have many plans already outlined for them in the ebooks they've purchased, so if you can't develop a plan yourself, follow the plan in the latest ebook you've purchased, right through to the end.

If you get stuck, contact the person you bought the ebook from, tell him what you've done, and ASK him to help. Or ask here... but GET A PLAN and take action on it.

At the very least, even if your plan fails (and no one fails until they stop acting on their feedback) you will LEARN something from every plan -- and that knowledge is gold.

Plan, take action, and keep planning and acting -- that's all you need to do for success in anything. "80 percent of success is just showing up" as Woody Allen said. So keep showing up. :-)

Cheers

Angela
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature

Everyone's a writer today. Get personal guidance from Angela.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343848].message }}

tonythomas

Banned 15 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343868].message }}

Kat Bartone 15 years ago

Random action will not move us forward.

Directed action is what is needed. And that requires a plan.

- Kat
- Thanks
Signature

Your search for the perfect WordPress theme is over. Here it is.

Coming soon: Compelling Content from the PLR Article Wizard
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343934].message }}

XFactor

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

I was reading Fabian Tan's post the other day and it really
got me thinking.

Most people would agree that taking ACTION is the key ingredient
in succeeding online and succeeding in anything in life for that
matter.

However, Fabian was talking from his own experience to
illustrate the importance of PLANNING before taking action.
He actually advised AGAINST taking action without a complete
plan.

Well, here's my take on this...

Stuff the planning! Just take ACTION!

The thing with most people is that they like to think about doing,
talk about doing, plan about doing, watch other people doing, but
not actually doing it themselves.

If you tell people to plan, the chances are they will keep planning
without actually IMPLEMENTING what they plan at the end. It just
becomes very easy for them to use planning as an excuse for
NOT taking action.

In fact, I see this as one of the biggest newbie traps! People think
as though they have to plan everything perfectly and know exactly
what to do about everything before they can start doing anything!

That's when they start worrying, because the more they learn, the
more they realize there's so much MORE to learn. As a result,
they're never ready, and they keep delaying taking action, always
trying to wait for the RIGHT TIME.

But the truth is... There is no right time!

The time is NOW!

Seriously, planning can wait.

As long as you've worked out the basics, you can take action
IMMEDIATELY!

The funny thing is when you take serious action, planning will take
care of itself.

In other words, take action first, and plan whilst you're taking
action, because only then that the planning would become
real, constructive planning rather than the type of planning
that's "all talks".

In conclusion, whilst I do agree with Fabian that planning is important,
and I can see that the type of planning he did was effective and
Action-Oriented planning when he started off, I don't believe that
planning should ever come before ACTION.

What are your thoughts on this one?

Great post and I agree 100%

HOWEVER...

I have found that just about every newbie online goes through this
"need to plan perfectly" phase for a while before realizing that action
will guide them.

So while this advice is solid, many people just can't help it until they
are just sick and tired of being frozen in fear and over-planning that
they just stop thinking and start doing.

- John

Thanks

Signature

"The All New Authority Site Guide"

www.adsensemasterscourse.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343930].message }}

johnng

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

I was reading Fabian Tan's post the other day and it really
got me thinking.

Most people would agree that taking ACTION is the key ingredient
in succeeding online and succeeding in anything in life for that
matter.

However, Fabian was talking from his own experience to
illustrate the importance of PLANNING before taking action.
He actually advised AGAINST taking action without a complete
plan.

Well, here's my take on this...

Stuff the planning! Just take ACTION!

The thing with most people is that they like to think about doing,
talk about doing, plan about doing, watch other people doing, but
not actually doing it themselves.

If you tell people to plan, the chances are they will keep planning
without actually IMPLEMENTING what they plan at the end. It just
becomes very easy for them to use planning as an excuse for
NOT taking action.

In fact, I see this as one of the biggest newbie traps! People think
as though they have to plan everything perfectly and know exactly
what to do about everything before they can start doing anything!

That's when they start worrying, because the more they learn, the
more they realize there's so much MORE to learn. As a result,
they're never ready, and they keep delaying taking action, always
trying to wait for the RIGHT TIME.

But the truth is... There is no right time!

The time is NOW!

Seriously, planning can wait.

As long as you've worked out the basics, you can take action
IMMEDIATELY!

The funny thing is when you take serious action, planning will take
care of itself.

In other words, take action first, and plan whilst you're taking
action, because only then that the planning would become
real, constructive planning rather than the type of planning
that's "all talks".

In conclusion, whilst I do agree with Fabian that planning is important,
and I can see that the type of planning he did was effective and
Action-Oriented planning when he started off, I don't believe that
planning should ever come before ACTION.

What are your thoughts on this one?

My own experience is taken action without planning is less effective. Until recently, I have not posted here although I have been a member for many months. The reason? Although I took action, without a plan, I tend to repeatedly doing the same kind of things that I preferred to do or the kind of task less challenging like reading Emails. The end result, a lot of actions without doing any work.
Now, I plan for every day's tasks and allot an amount of time for easch task. For example, I only allot an hour a day for Email reading and also an hour a day for visiting this Forum. The result, I am now posting this, one of 17, I think.
Instantly, I use Excel to do my planning. I use a table to list all the daily tasks I have to do, such as Blogging, visiting Forums, Email. I have entries for each task such as alloted time, starting time of task and end time, and so on. That way I have also a record of tasks completed and time spent for each task each day. We are in business and need to cost our time and tasks.

Thanks

Signature

John Ng
http://www.homeworkers.me

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[343983].message }}

Caroline Middlebrook

15 years ago

Yeah I totally agree. I used to be a planaholic and the only action I ended up taking was the planning! These days I tend to just dive into things and sure I make a lot of mistakes but I'm getting a lot more done and getting better results because of it.

Caroline

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[344015].message }}

tomw

15 years ago

So you finally get that date with the cute girl you've been pursuing for weeks. Eventually she relents (presumably to stop the harassment) and gives you her phone number. You call her and despite the annoyed tone in her voice she asks you to pick her up and gives you her address.

Do you?

1. Get in your car and drive around and around for hours hoping to stumble upon her house.

2. Consult a map?

Beverley, Kat and John have hit it.

Thomas

Thanks

Signature

STOP THE TRAFFIK: PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD
Help Us Rescue, Rehabilitate And Reunite Victims With Their Families
STOP THE TRAFFIK is a growing global movement of individuals, communities and organisations fighting to PREVENT the sale of people,
PROTECT the trafficked and PROSECUTE the traffickers.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[344034].message }}

Steven Carl Kelly

15 years ago

I'll respectfully disagree. While there may sometimes be too much planning or failure to act due to information overload, planning is virtually essential to success.

"Planning without action is futile, action without planning is fatal".

Action without planning means improper measurement, or worse, no measurement at all. No measurement means wasted time, wasted expense, and lack of results that can be analyzed to improve the efficiency of your actions.

Some things to read (neither of which are my sites):

Strategy Check: Action without planning is the cause of every failure.

Action Without Planning by Errol A Williams

Steve

Thanks

Signature

Read this SURPRISING REPORT Before You Buy ANY WSO! Click Here
FREE REPORT: Split Test Your Landing Pages the Easy Way

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[344063].message }}

Rachel Incoll

15 years ago

Yes, that's my problem

...I spend too long trying to make sure I have a perfect plan & thinking of all the 'ifs & buts' instead of just taking action. Some planning is essential to your success, but waiting for the perfect plan (like me

) is not going to help.

Something I really need to work on...

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?

Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[344077].message }}

Headhunting55 15 years ago

I would suggest that planning is PART of the action you should be taking....
- [ 1 ] Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[344548].message }}
- Mark McClure 15 years ago
  
  @faxinator - very true, re action without planning...
  
  Then again, "if it works, it's obsolete" will hold many back trying to prove that one true...! (attributed to Marshall McLuhan?)
  
  The SAS motto is probably closer to what works in IM world: "He who dares, wins." (And they don't half prepare.)
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354648].message }}

Bujuk

15 years ago

No doubt both are important. you wont go anywhere with "planning without action". and you heading to the unknown if you go with "action without planning". both cases wont give the end result that you want.

so we need to plan and take action. at least we should have some basic ideas what will be our business model before we take the first step. we can refine the planning part as we go along.

my 2 cents.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354669].message }}

NashRyker

15 years ago

When I teach on planning, I teach that you should plan daily activities that you will hold yourself accountable to. Kind of like a checklist. That is kind of a combination of these two thoughts - Action Planning.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354726].message }}

TonyG2160 15 years ago

Just a question....What is better, a plan without action...or action without a plan?

I can plan for years...without action.

I can take action...and come up with a "plan" once the ball gets rolling.

I think this is the subtle point of the OP.

In other words...ACTION is the key, without it nothing happens.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354779].message }}

WS_Elearning

15 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[355196].message }}

pleyez89

Banned 15 years ago

yeah ...i support u bro....we must take action than do a plan. think a simple plan but do a incredible action

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[355408].message }}

kennethtang

15 years ago

"Oh Athena, great goddess of war. Should thou desirest I face enemies, send those who charge blindly into the fray, and take no thought at all for the conduct of the battle"

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[355578].message }}

Shonee 15 years ago

I believe planning and action go hand in hand.. If you only plan it and take no action, then it's a sheer waste and if you proceed with no proper plan in place, then you will go nowhere.
So steady planning and simultaneous action is the key to business success.
Plan it properly, set realistic goals, prepare your to -do list and stick to it.
Just my 2 cents
- Thanks
Signature
Custom Content Writing Starting at $1

Time to Convert Your Harddisk Fillers in to Money Makers!
PLR Content Writing Service starting 75 cents only!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421434].message }}

perfecthomebuz

15 years ago

Taking action without planning is like jumping into the river that you have no idea how deep.

It is like the story of man felling a tree for about 9 hours and was asked why he did not spend an hour sharpening his cutlass and he said that is a waste of time.

Planning is sharpening your cutlass, it saves a lot of time at the action stage.

So I recommend that you plan, then act and success is sure.

To your planing, action and success.

Taiwo

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421516].message }}

derekwong28

15 years ago

Right, take action! Try this

1. Sign up as an affiliate for a credit card company
2. Place a maximum bid of $50 for the word "credit card" in Adwords and direct it directly to the credit card company's website.
3. Do not set a maximum daily limit on your spending.

Now the interesting part. Count the number of days before you have to declare bankrupcy.

Thanks

Signature

Do not get between a wombat and a chocolate biscuit; you will regret it dearly!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421557].message }}

OmarNegron

15 years ago

Planning is very important with any venture.

The problem is when the planning becomes excessive and becomes an excuse to actually take ACTION!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421570].message }}

Jay Deiboldt

15 years ago

I firmly believe in planning as well but there are SO many who have enough knowledge to take action, but they don't, they just go on learning new things when they run into a sticking point.

I made a video about it the other day:

YouTube - Why Are You Failing Online?

Thanks

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421573].message }}

Li Weng

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Li Weng

...because only then that the planning would become
real, constructive planning rather than the type of planning
that's "all talks"...

I think some people have misunderstood my argument here.

Please read the entire post, and not just the title.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

- Insert backlink here -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421621].message }}

fullmatrix 15 years ago

Yeah you can get lost in the planning. What I do when I find a new niche is immediately research the keyword for it, buy domain name, setup a wordpress blog, and order 10 articles from my favorite writer.

That would keep the ball rolling...

Planning? dang... I think I never planned, I just write what I want to do and stick it to the wall in front of me lol
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421657].message }}

dean_holland

15 years ago

Sorry Li

I gotta disagree with you on this brother

I think action without a plan may not be the right action

Granted if you plan and dont take action ( Which most dont ) then the planning was a waste of time also. But I do believe that you need to plan tomorrow today.

Thats my advice any - Plan tomorrow today

**BUT** Take action on it.. Or forget the planning in the first place !!

Peace

Dean

Thanks

Signature

Follow My Journey To Online Success > www.DeanHolland.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421651].message }}

alyoung

15 years ago

Planning is important but planning has to lead to action. Follow the plan. Too many people myself included research, buy WSO's, post questions, but never actually have an action plan or make a move.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421666].message }}

Writing Pete

15 years ago

Action and planning are both extremely important, but I think you're right in stating that action is a the more important of the two. Anytime you take action, you're gaining experience, which will make planning (correctly) easier for you in the future.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421703].message }}

ragstworiches

15 years ago

Yes I agree, isn't forum posting also an excuse to delay action though?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421726].message }}

Steadyon

15 years ago

This is a bit like the chicken or the egg. Which comes first?

Maybe the chicken planned to lay an egg and so then took action.

However, maybe like many eggs that get layed these days, it was unplanned ;-)

Perhaps the correct viewpoint should be that the FIRST step in taking ACTION is to write down what you want to accomplish.

The SECOND step in taking ACTION is to concisely write out a plan for how you are going to achieve your objective.

Make this a step by step ACTION plan.

Make it so simple, so that when you put your pen down, you can literally DO the first step on your ACTION PLAN.

You will get a buzz from this as you will soon see that you are actually performing ACTIONS that lead towards achieving your objective.

So, start to think of a plan as an ACTION PLAN and take it from there...

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[421772].message }}

madison_avenue

15 years ago

(research+research+research) + (analysis) = Plan

(implement plan) + (evaluate + refine plan)

(implement new plan) + (evaluate + refine plan)

(implement new plan) + (evaluate + refine plan)

.... keep repeating last two steps.

Any action you take is always provisional it must always be evaluated, if required altered and if necessary aborted.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[422030].message }}

NOTHING is more important than ACTION! not even planning...

Trending Topics

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

The Twilight Zone

What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?

best high quality crypto traffic.

Should i Index Author pages?